NCFRW – Thankful for the blessings of Liberty!

October 2025

"Let's get to work. We have a Country to save." -Charlie Kirk

Early voting has begun in local elections, and too often our neighbors (and some Republicans) think that those local elections don't matter. But they do!

The "No Kings" rallies seem ridiculous to us, but they serve a purpose, to keep the Left's message alive in this election season. Both parties know that voter turnout is historically low in local elections, and every single vote is precious. The Left will try anything to keep its base engaged. Therefore, to win, we must do better and turn out our base.

Well-funded Democrats, masquerading as Unaffiliates, intend to take every seat at every level of government, and we must stop them. To do that we need your help.

Talk to your friends, folks you meet at the gas pump and in the grocery store. Urge them to vote for the Republican whether in non-partisan races or along party lines. If you can do more, go to your local NCGOP headquarters and volunteer: make phone calls, knock on doors and greet voters at Early Voting and on Election Day.

Urge everyone to vote Republican. Pray mightily.

Reflection by Kay Wildt, NCFRW President

Border Patrol Christmas Card Project

Caring for the U.S. Border Patrol

Incoming NFRW President Martha Jenkins suggested sending Christmas cards to border agents, a very thoughtful project that is an offshoot of the NFRW Border Care Project (BCP). More information was in the NCFRW September newsletter.

Deborah Wall, a member of the Texas FRW is coordinating the project and will collect unsealed Christmas cards until December 1st when Debbie will deliver the cards and other items to the agents on the southern border. The Federation also is sending cards to the northern border.

Debbie says simple cards are best, just regular unsealed Christmas cards with a handwritten note. Children's drawings are appreciated. Please let the agents know what state you are from because the agents are stunned to know that folks across the nation support their work.

Mail packet of unsealed cards to arrive by December 1st:

Deborah Wall

9 Inwood Crown

San Antonio, TX 78248

See their Facebook page: Border Care Project. DO NOT SEAL THE CARDS!

Dr. Rita Renee TEDx Talk

Dr. Rita Renee

"Belonging Over Boxes – Why We Must Rethink DEI and Reclaim Excellence"

Dr. Rita Renee is a TEDx presenter and a member of the Wake County Republican Women's Club.

Dr. Rita Renee challenges the status quo of DEI initiatives by advocating for a shift from checkbox diversity to true belonging, merit and excellence. Her message is a bold call to prioritize qualifications, value diverse thought, and create spaces where everyone can rise on the strength of their contribution.

Dr. Renee is President-Elect of the National Association of Women Business Owners Greater Raleigh and a monthly guest on CBS17’s My Carolina show, where she shares practical strategies for visibility, leadership, and growth.

NCFRW Fall Board Meeting

Fall Meeting of the NCFRW Board of Directors

 November 15 - 16, 2025

Leadership & Empowerment Workshop

Dr. Rita Renee

Workshop on Leadership & Empowerment

"UNMUTED: The Power of Conviction-Led Leadership."

Dr. Rita Renee is a TEDx and International Keynote Speaker, Author, and Coach who is passionate about helping women come off mute—stepping out of the shadows, off the sidelines, and onto platforms to share their authentic voices with confidence and authority.

Dr. Renee is a powerful voice for change and is President-Elect of the National Association of Women Business Owners Greater Raleigh. Renee is a monthly guest on CBS17’s My Carolina show, where she shares practical strategies for visibility, leadership, and growth.

Dr. Renee has authored 14+ books, including The Power Link and Powerhouse Speaker: UNMUTE – From Shadows to Stage. She coaches authors and speakers.

NFRW Orlando Convention Recap

The Orlando Convention was outstanding. Kudos to NFRW President Julie Harris and Convention Chair Martha Jenkins, now incoming NFRW President, for a perfectly planned and executed event. So many contributed to making this an exciting and memorable trip, and our NCFRW delegation of 63 members and guests loved every minute. Start planning now for 2027 in Dallas, Texas!

The NFRW Elected Officers for 2026-2027 are:

President – Martha Jenkins, NC

1st VP – Karen Newton, TX;

2nd VP – Lorie Legere, OK

3rd VP – Keri Abernathy, MS

4th VP – Judy Barlow, AL

Treasurer – Heidi Parker Martin, LA

Secretary – Cindy Casaus, AZ

Members-at-Large - Christine Peters, NH, Chelle Davis, VA, Barbara Price, FL.

Several Bylaws Amendments were approved and will be incorporated into our NCFRW bylaws.

Public Relations Awards

(L to R, Lori L. Reyman, Chair NFRW Public Relations Committee; Kay Wildt, President NCFRW; Julie Harris, President NFRW.) The NFRW Public Relations Award recognizes outstanding achievements by state federations in their efforts to improve visibility and attract coverage of Federation activities.

NCFRW received three Public Relations Awards:

• First Place Public Relations Eagle Trophy
• Winner of Traditional Media/Overall PR Category
• Winner of the Newsletter Category

NCFRW Awards

At the 43rd Biennial Convention of the National Federation of Republican Women in Orlando, North Carolina Republican Women made history and brought home top honors across the board.

North Carolina's own Martha Jenkins was elected NFRW President for 2026–2027.

We are proud to share these exciting accomplishments:

POLITICAL CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEER HOURS & CALLS:

• NCFRW earned Top honors in State Political & Campaign Volunteer Hours.  
• NCFRW earned Top State Political & Campaign Calls.
• Onslow County Republican Women received Top Club Call honors.
• Onslow County Republican Women earned Top Political & Campaign Hours.
• Christine Card  won State honors for Top Volunteer Hours .
• Rosemary Serra won State honors for Top Volunteer Calls.

MEMBERSHIP AWARDS:

• Johnston County Republican Women had Greatest Percent increase in NC.
• Wake County Republican Women had Greatest Number increase in NC.

AMERICAN PATRIOT AWARD:

• Sandra Lee Carl was selected for excellence in Americanism.

ARMED SERVICES AWARD:

• Rockingham County Republican Women won for its support of the military.

LITERACY & EDUCATION AWARD:

• NCFRW honored for Literacy & Education Activities.

PUBLIC RELATIONS EXCELLENCE NATIONAL AWARD:

• NCFRW received the NFRW Public Relations Award 1st Place Trophy.
• NCFRW won the top national honors in Traditional Media / Overall PR.
• NCFRW won the top national award for its Newsletter.

CARING FOR AMERICA NATIONAL AWARD:

• NCFRW was recognized as the top state winning the Caring for America National Award for our WriteNow Campaign through MyFaithVotes.

OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP:

• NCFRW President Kay Wildt was honored as one of only five State President finalists nationwide for the prestigious Reagan Award.

STATE EXCELLENCE:

• NCFRW was awarded the prestigious Betty Heitman Award for State Excellence.
• Our clubs brought home an impressive 26 Diamond Achievement Awards, 2 Gold, 2 Silver, and 2 Bronze Awards.

These achievements highlight what we already know - the women of NCFRW work tirelessly to strengthen our Party, grow our communities, and advance our conservative values.

Join us in congratulating every woman who is a member of NCFRW.

Together, we are building a stronger Republican future!

NCFRW Candidates

NCFRW congratulates our members who have stepped out in courage and have "tossed their hats in the ring" to run for office. Thank you to the club presidents who have responded and sent in their members' names so we may honor them.

While this is not an endorsement, turnout in local races is always low, so anything you do to GOTV (Get Out the Vote) is priceless. Elect Republicans!

• Brunswick RW: Nia Moore for Mayor of Belville.
• East Carolina RW: Nadine Buchanan for alderman, Ward #4 in New Bern.
• Fayetteville RW: Gail Morfesis for Fayetteville Council District 2.
• Tar River RWC: Jane Cookson for Wilson City Council.
• Greater Greensboro RWC: Jeannette Davidson-Mayer for Greensboro City Council, District 5.
• RW of Cary & Southwestern Wake: Renee Miller for Cary Town Council, District C.
• Onslow Co RWC: Cindy Edwards for re-election to the Jacksonville City Council.
• Watauga RWC: Melissa Tausche for Blowing Rock Town Council.
• Republican Women's Club of Granville County: Jeannie Benoy for Butner Town Council; Rebecca Moore for Butner Town Council
• Sweet Union: Angel Martin for Village of Marvin Council. 

Republican Women of Catawba County

Welcome to our newest NC club, the Republican Women of Catawba County.

Club President Rita Russell and the club members offer Republican women in Catawba County the opportunity to join an evening club. Catawba County is also served by the very successful daytime club, the Catawba Co. League of RW.

Growing your membership

Ideas to Spark Engagement

You don’t need a bonfire to attract members or build interest.

Try events that are easy, social, and welcoming:

• Patriot Picnic – Food, games, short speeches.
• Freedom Fridays – Casual meetups at local cafés or breweries.
• History & Heritage Night – Partner with a museum or historical site.
• Backyard Briefings – Intimate home gatherings with guest speakers.
• Trivia for Truth – Constitution-themed trivia nights that encourage guests to bring friends.

Whatever you choose, keep it relaxed but purposeful—introduce your mission, invite involvement, and follow up.

Turn Fun into Growth

Every event should:

• Welcome newcomers warmly.
• Share your club’s purpose.
• Offer easy sign-ups (members, volunteers, or future attendees).
• Include a follow-up plan: thank-yous, invites, and contact info collection.

Start Now for 2026

Making 2025 a year of consistent outreach sets the stage for real impact in 2026. Each event, each new member, helps build a movement grounded in conservative values and community.

So start small, stay focused, and have fun. Grow in 2025. Pursue greatness.

Let’s make history together in 2026.

America250

America250 NC offers suggestions for ways to inspire patriotism in your local communities, and it highlights patriot events in NC. Learn more about North Carolina's important role in our nation's founding.

https://www.america250.nc.gov/calendar

https://www.america250.nc.gov/

Political dates to note

For more complete information about local Municipal Elections and Deadlines, Voter Registration, Absentee Voting and Early Voting, go HERE.

View the NC State Board of Elections website HERE.



• November 4, 2025 Municipal General Election
• December 1, 2025 Candidate Filing Period (2026 Primary)
• December 16, 2025 Withdrawal of Candidacy Deadline (2026 Primary)
• December 19, 2025 Close of Candidate Filing Period (2026 Primary)
• March 3, 2026 Primary Election

On the calendar

• Nov. 8, 2025: NCGOP Hall of Fame Dinner, Koury Convention Center
• Nov. 15 - 16, 2025: NCFRW Fall Meeting, Koury Convention Center
• Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2026: NCFRW Winter Meeting, Beaufort Hotel, Beaufort

Saluting and supporting our military by Betsy Miller

Military anniversaries and observances

10/13 US Navy - 250th

10/26 Day of the Deployed

10/27 Navy Day

Never Forget Charlie Kirk

In Memoriam

Mary Alice Fulk Warren

We send our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mary Alice Warren, a life member of Forsyth County Republican Women. Miss Mary Alice was a past President or FCRW, past NCFRW President, Vice Chairman of the NC Republican Party, and Vice President of the National Federation of Republican Women. For 10 years, she was a Republican National Committeewoman from NC and a member of its Executive Committee. 

Ms. Warren was 104 years old and led a very impressive life, serving in leadership on many boards and commissions. Among the awards and recognitions she received was the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Gov. James G. Martin. The Mary Alice Warren Community Center in Lewisville is named in her honor.

Patricia Hilliard

Patricia Russell Hilliard, member of Wake Co. RW passed away to her eternal reward. We send our deepest condolences to Pat's family and her loved ones. A true southern lady, Pat was known for her timeless elegance, grace, unwavering faith, sharp wit, a beautiful smile, and fierce loyalty to her family.

Pat was a dedicated volunteer for both the local and state Republican Party, and she attended the national convention in Tampa, FL. She gave her time to many local non-profits, especially in the arts, and continued to serve her church community in a multitude of roles over the years.

JOIN THE NCFRW REGENTS PROGRAM

Heartfelt thanks to our members and friends who support NCFRW through our Regents program. You enable us to achieve our goals.

We are excited to announce that your club may be a REGENT CLUB.



Thank you to our Founding Regent Clubs:

SILVER REGENT CLUBS

CRYSTAL COAST REPUBLICAN WOMEN'S CLUB

ONSLOW REPUBLICAN WOMEN

BRONZE REGENT CLUB

FAYETTEVILLE REPUBLICAN WOMEN'S CLUB

NCFRW Regents for 2025:

GOLD - Sarah Absher, Dena Barnes, Elaine Bologna, Kyshia Brassington, Stephanie Broughton, Debbie Dennis, Gay Dillard, Mary Frances Forrester, Dr. Rita Renee Gibson, Cornelia Groce, Barbara Harrison, Didi Hedrick, Kristine Hunt, Martha Jenkins, Senator Dana Jones, Diane LeBlanc, Felice Pete, Pat C. Smith, Celeste Stanley, Carol Ulrich, Angela Vacek, Ceil Wasserman, Jackie Weyhenmeyer, Kay Wildt

SILVER - Christine Adams, Jeanna Benoy, Nancy Brinkley, Christine Card, Jo Clark, Janice Craig, Ellen Donovan, Stephanie Franks, Kelly Gallimore, Angela Hawkins, Linda Hill, Margeaux Holland, Bonnie Joyner, Pam Keller, Linda McAlister, Susan Mills, Dr. Gail Morfesis, Michele Nix, Sandra Patterson, Patsy Penuel, Terri Penzenstadler, Linda Petrou, Evelyn Poole-Kober, Brenda Rembert, Leisa Rowe, Cat Stash, Brenda Teague, Charli Thyne, Erica Vedeikis, Sarah Wetherby

BRONZE - Pauline Bruno, Lari Bubile, Laura Cox, Erika Dills, Cindy Edwards, Kathy Flanigan, Melissa Freeman, Kathy Gleeson, Pam Higgins, Mary Anne Huggins, Ann James, Lisa James, Carolyn Justice, Martha Miller, Anita Moody, Misty Nagy, Elizabeth Nutley, Janet Nutley, Becky Porter, Debbie Ressler, Peggy Smetana, Donna Stewart, Candace Sullivan, Marge Swierz, Toni Wall, Nancy Woody

Editors: Kay Wildt and Pilar Page make every effort to provide accurate information, but it cannot be guaranteed. Do your own due diligence.

You can find us:

Facebook: North Carolina Federation of Republican Women

Twitter: @NCFRWomen

Pinterest: NCFRWomen

Instagram: ncfrwomen

Snapchat: NCFRWomen 

Email available for general contact: ncfrepublicanwomen@gmail.com

We are proud affiliates of the National Federation of Republican Women.