Image Credit: courtesy of SEC Committeeman Matthew Johnson & Canva
submitted by Todd A. McKinley –
Over the weekend, I sat down with my TNGOP State Executive Committeeman Matthew Johnson, who along with Linda D. Buckles represent district 4 on as Committeeman & Committeewoman respectively.
Before getting into our conversation, let me point out exactly what the TNGOP State Executive Committee (SEC) is. Essentially, the SEC is the legislative or rule making body for the TNGOP and guides the direction of the state party. Each state senate district elects a man and woman during the state & federal primary in August to serve a 4-year term.
Matthew currently serves as the Sullivan County GOP Chairman, is a Republican nominee for the Sullivan County Commission in District 6, a position he’s held in recent years. He’s the incumbent SEC committeeman and is a true conservative, a lifelong Reagan Republican, he ascribes to the former Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey thought of “it matters who governs.”
Matt, why are you running for re-election?
I strongly believe that any definition of a successful life, must include service to others. I believe in serving God and my fellow man. Moreover. as a Reagan Conservative I believe it is time for choosing and choosing what direction our Tennessee Republican Party will go, in the coming years. We need conservative leadership at all levels of government.
What makes you the best candidate?
I feel that my conservative ideologies, servant leadership approach, and actual conservative record on the TNGOP, and as a former Sullivan County Commissioner make me the solid choice to represent the folks in Sullivan And Hawkins County, and the Party. I’ve earned the experience through public service and made hard decisions based on conservative principles.
Without giving away any strategy, what does the pathway to victory look like?
I think the path to victory is the work that has been done will holding this election position. In many ways I’m running this campaign on “a pickup truck and a prayer “. I simply don’t have the deep pockets of my opponents, I’m a working man, just like the people i represent; time is precious and family comes first. I’m leaning on my record, public reputation, and when the smoke clears, we’ll know who made it; and come together as a strong TNGOP.
What separates you from the other candidates?
I feel my youth, experience, and the years of volunteering, being active in the Republican Party. At 24 I was around when we didn’t have the majority Party in the state or counties I represent, fast forward during the 2010’s I served as a Republican County Commissioner for two consecutive terms, elected to TNGOP outright in 2018 and 2022; I’ve served as our county Republican Party Chairman. I’ve built strong rapport with constituents and elected officials within our Party. We are currently I the process of re-chartering our local Young Republicans.
What are the biggest issues you’re hearing from voters?
It seems to vary from individuals to County GOP Executive Committees, and essentially our Republican Party’s Demographics. Ultimately, involvement at the grassroots is essential, communication, and confining to fundraiser and electing Republican representatives at all levels of government.
What should Republicans know about the State Executive Committee and how does it differ from other legislative bodies on the ballot this year?
This position is the only Volunteer Elected Position that appears on the ballot. We are elected Volunteers who promote the ideas, principles, and fundraise for the
TNGOP. Our main mission is to elect Republican Candidates. Moreover, we establish and maintain the TNGOP By-Laws.
Final thoughts?
I humbly would ask folks for their vote, and it would be an honor to serve you on the TNGOP Executive Committee. I think it matters who governs, and those elected to govern must be willing to do so with principle, and especially within our beloved Tennessee Republican Party.
Thanks for your time.
About the Author: Todd A. McKinley is a retired U.S. Army Paratrooper, Afghanistan and Iraq combat veteran, co-host of the Commonsense Conservatives, veterans advocate, author and local office holder. www.toddmckinley.com
