Denton County Republicans Strengthen the Republic Through Self-Governance
July 16, 2026
When Elizabeth Willing Powel asked Benjamin Franklin, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin famously replied:
“A republic, if you can keep it.”
Those words have echoed throughout American history, and on the evening of July 16, 2026, the Denton County Republican Party’s County Executive Committee (CEC) demonstrated what it means to embrace that responsibility.
The meeting began with one of the evening’s most meaningful moments as newly elected precinct chairs and members of the County Executive Committee were officially sworn into office. Each oath represented a commitment to serve the voters of Denton County, uphold Republican principles, and help preserve the constitutional republic entrusted to every generation.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, the Committee turned its attention to important organizational business by considering proposed amendments to the Party’s bylaws. As with many defining moments throughout our nation’s history, the discussion was spirited, thoughtful, and thorough.
The evening opened with a procedural motion on whether to postpone consideration of the bylaw amendments until January. After extensive discussion, the motion failed by a vote of 71 to 66, allowing the Committee to move forward with the business before it.
What followed was nearly four hours of rigorous debate that reflected the seriousness with which the members approached their responsibility. Much like the debates that took place during the Continental Congress, members brought differing perspectives to the floor, debated the issues before them, and exercised the principles of representative government.
In the end, the County Executive Committee voted to adopt the bylaw amendments, demonstrating that our republican form of government is strengthened when citizens participate, engage in thoughtful debate, and ultimately respect the decision of the body.
With the bylaws now updated, the Committee will take up the proposed Standing Rules at the next CEC meeting, continuing the work of strengthening the organization for the future.
New Leadership Elected to Serve Denton County Republicans
The final order of business for the evening was the election of the Denton County Republican Party’s leadership team. These officers will help guide the County Executive Committee as we prepare for the 2026 election cycle and continue building one of the strongest Republican organizations in Texas.
Congratulations to the newly elected leadership:
•Nancy Dillard – 1st Vice Chair
•Janet Gadd – 2nd Vice Chair
•David Rettig – 3rd Vice Chair
•Alan Wheeler – Secretary
•Christina Bradley – Treasurer
•Brent Hill – Sergeant-at-Arms
•Robert Ramirez – Parliamentarian
•Rev. Rafael Cruz – Chaplain
As important as these internal matters are, they are not the ultimate mission.
With our bylaws updated, our leadership team elected, and the Standing Rules scheduled for consideration at the next CEC meeting, the Denton County Republican Party now turns its full attention to electing Republican candidates across the ballot this November. There is significant work ahead, and our precinct chairs, volunteers, and leadership stand united behind that common purpose.
Benjamin Franklin’s words continue to remind us that a republic is not preserved by avoiding debate. It is preserved by citizens willing to participate, deliberate, vote, and then move forward together in pursuit of a common goal.
