Washington County Republican Party

The Washington County Republican Party would like to congratulate all Republican candidate winners in the 2026 primary election.  We appreciate the hard work each of you put into running your races.  Job well done.

We also commend all Republican candidates who stepped up and put their names forth to run for each of these races but were not successful. It is commendable that our fellow citizens are willing to subject themselves to scrutiny  for the responsibility of public service.  The key part of a Representative Republic is for citizen representation.  For current office holders who are retiring or unsuccessful in their bids for reelection, we thank you for your past public service.

Thank you all and good luck to those Republicans running in the General Election this fall.     

Message from the WCRP Leadership Team

The balance of WCRP events and meetings calendar can be found here: https://www.thewcrp.com/calendar/

The 2026 Washington County Republican Party Convention was held last night, Monday, March 23, 2026 at the Blair Library. The Convention was well attended with 111 Delegates, candidates, guests and office holders checked in by our credentials committee. Office holders in attendance included Secretary of State Bob Evnen, Sheriff Mike Robinson, County Attorney Scott Vander Schaaf, Clerk of the District Court Susie Paulsen, Blair Mayor Mindy Rump, County Board Chairman Steve Dethlefs, Blair City Council Board President Kevin Willis, Fort Calhoun Mayor Mitch Robinson, County Board member Steve Kruger, County Board member Lisa Kramer, Blair School Board Vice President Courtney Tabor. The Candidate Forum had 23 Republican candidates or their proxies speak to the crowd. There was food and fellowship while those in attendance were able to meet and talk with the candidates. Following the forum, the delegates held their Convention to elect 6 Delegates + 6 Alternate Delegates to the 2026 NEGOP State Convention. Delegates and Alternate Delegates elected are listed below. Much thanks to the Convention and Forum planners; Lisa Kramer, Mike Anderson, Tim O’Dell, Ritch Nelson, Kent Van Horn, John Orr.

Over 50 folks attended the Ted Japp for Legislature fundraising event at the Dew Drop Inn in Kennard Monday, February 16, 2026. Current and term-limited District 16 Senator Ben Hansen spoke and introduced Ted to the crowd. Ted spoke to the group while everyone enjoyed food and fellowship. Also attending were former Blair Mayor and State Senator Mick Mines, Washington County Sheriff candidates Kevin Willis and Brian Beckman. Current Republican State Senate candidates Bill Bowes for District 14 and Derek Schwartz for District 18

*Save the Date* Ted Japp for Legislature Fundraiser

Monday, February 16, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Dew Drop Inn, Kennard, NE

Ted Japp for Legislature website

The Washington County Republican Party is proud to support Todd Trimpe for Washington County Supervisor District 4. Todd’s bio can be found here: Todd Trimpe bio

Please plan to attend the 2026 Washington County Candidate Forum and Convention on Monday, March 23, 2026 at the Blair Public Library & Technology Center, 2233 Civic Drive, Blair, NE. Sign-in and social time is from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Food and candidates speak from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The Washington County Republican Party will then hold its 2026 Convention from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. If you wish to be a Republican Delegate for the convention, please click here to: SIGN UP TO BE A WCRP DELEGATE (you can also email Chairman John Orr at johnworr2@gmail.com and he will get you signed up). All registered Republicans that are residents of Washington County are eligible to sign up to be a Delegate. Deadline to sign up to be a Delegate is Sunday, March 1, 2026. All are welcome to can attend to Forum for food and to meet the candidates, you do not need to be a Delegate to attend.

The Washington County Republican Party held their January 2026 meeting with 45 Republicans in attendance at the American Legion in Ft Calhoun. Senator Ben Hansen briefed us on the very busy Nebraska Legislative session, the bills getting introduced and answered questions. Blair School Board member Courtney Tabor updated the group on interim Superintendent Don Johnson, the search for a permanent replacement beginning in March and some DOGE-like cost savings efforts by the board. Candidates speaking included 3rd District Congressional candidate David Huebner, Legislative candidate for District 16 Ted Japp, Washington County Supervisor for District 4 candidate Todd Trimpe. Republican candidates in attendance included Ft Calhoun Mayor and Sheriff candidate Mitch Robinson, Sheriff candidates Kevin Willis and Brian Beckman. Blair City Council Ward 4 candidate Shawn Cooper. Also in attendance were County Supervisors Steve Dethlefs and Lisa Kramer.

Please plan to attend the Washington County Republican Party meeting on Monday, January 26, 2026 beginning at 7:00 PM at the American Legion in Ft Calhoun. We will be helping Republicans sign up to be delegates to the 2026 County Convention using the new online method.

Conservative Republican Ted Japp is running for District 16 Legislature to replace term-limited Senator Ben Hansen.

Over 70 area Republicans attended the Congressman Adrian Smith and Senator Ben Hansen event in Ft Calhoun on the evening of Thursday, January 15, 2026 at the Northern Lights Venue. The Washington County Republican Party is very thankful for the owners of Northern Lights for letting us use their wonderful facility for this event. Senator Ben Hansen discussed the current Legislative session and answered questions regarding bills being introduced. Ted Japp is running to replace term-limited Senator Hansen also addressed the crowd. Carson Clayton updated folks on Congressman Smith. Unfortunately Congressman Smith’s flight was delayed many hours due to a snowstorm in Detroit. Other Republican office holders and candidates attending were County Supervisors Steve Dethlefs, Steve Kruger and Kevin Barnhill. County Clerk Barb Sullivan. Ft Calhoun Mayor and Sheriff’s candidate Mitch Robinson. Sheriff’s candidate Brian Beckman. Blair School Board member Courtney Tabor. The entire Washington County Planning Commission attended as well.