Our Commitment to Principled Leadership
The Lewis County Republican Party is committed to a transparent and structured candidate process. Our screening and endorsement protocols are designed to ensure that those seeking support are prepared, aligned with our principles, and ready to serve responsibly.
Below you’ll find an overview of our process for the 2025–2026 election cycle.
2025-2026 Election Protocols
INCUMBENT CANDIDATES
- Are encouraged to attend, access events, and provide updates on govt. business but are expected to separate campaigning efforts from reporting on govt. business. A 15 min timeframe is preferred, but extra time may be allotted by contacting the Chair in advance.
- Screening will consist of completing the initial Vetting Application
- Campaign team recusal from race activities on Vetting Committee and E-Board.
- Must complete the full Vetting Committee application on our website, screening process and have approval of the Chair before speaking to the party except for good of the order (1 min.)
- Candidates are encouraged to contact the Chair in order to be scheduled for a longer speaking allowance. Consideration will be taken for those candidates who have completed the screening questionnaire and are waiting for the interview appointment to be completed
STATEWIDE OFFICE
- The WAGOP and State Convention will lead the endorsement process.
- The LCRP will adopt and include in our GOTV efforts those candidates endorsed by the WAGOP and State Convention.
LEGISLATIVE AND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OFFICE AND COUNTY WIDE OFFICES
- The LCRP may recommend or endorse as early as April or as late as September
- In the event two Republicans are the only candidates running for office, the LCRP may decide to hold a vote for Recommendation or Endorsement in April or Sept for one or both.
- In the event of a mixed ballot with a Democrat in the race the LCRP party may vote to recommend a single Republican candidate at the April Central Committee meeting for the race.
SCREENING PROCESS
- The Vetting Committee may open up to the next year’s candidates to apply in September, or nine months prior to the May filing week.
- The Vetting Committee will close applications no earlier than May 30 of filing year.
- The Vetting Committee’s goal, along with the E-Board’s oversight is to provide an opportunity for the LCRP and our community to receive as much access and information about the candidates as possible with the goal of voting for the best candidate that best represents our adopted Platform.
- Applications are located on the LCRP website
RECOMMENDATION
- Access to LCRP events and opportunities.
- No money provided to the campaign.
- Non-Partisan races are only recommended and Partisans can be both recommended or endorsed
ENDORSEMENT
- Access to LCRP events and opportunities.
- Partisan campaigns only.
- Money may be provided to the campaign based on a majority vote of the Central Committee (not the E-Board) per Bylaws.
- Money may be provided for local candidates only.
LCRP EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
- Parades, floats, meet and greet booths
- Meet and greets, hot dogs and handshakes
- LCRP Social Media accounts
- Inclusion in LCRP advertised Slate of Candidates
- LCRP Town Halls, Debates, or Public Forums
- Door Knocking Assistance
- Phone Banking Assistance, and other GOTV activities
- Distribution of printed or marketing material
- Campaign sign location / distribution assistance
- Other
If you are considering serving in Lewis County, we invite you to begin the formal screening process. Our team is prepared to walk alongside qualified candidates throughout the election cycle.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Our candidate screening application is comprehensive and designed for individuals who are prepared to pursue public service seriously.
If you are ready to begin the formal process, you may start your 2026 candidate journey below.
Questions about the process? Contact us before beginning your application.
