December 31, 2023

As we bid farewell to a year filled with challenges and uncertainties, let us welcome 2024 with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to the values that define us as Americans. As we reflect on the past and look towards the future, it is crucial to acknowledge the failures of the Biden administration, the unsettling exclusion of President Donald J. Trump from ballots in Colorado and Maine, the stage being set with the redrawn Georgia Congressional and Legislative Maps as well as the profound importance of the upcoming 2024 election.

As we reflect on the current state of our great nation, it is with a sense of responsibility that we must address the failures of the Biden administration. The false promise of leadership and unity that accompanied Joe Biden’s inauguration has regrettably given way to a series of disappointments, missteps and outrage that we cannot ignore. From the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan to the inflationary pressures that burden everyday Americans and to the record number of illegal border crossings leaving our country vulnerable, the failures of this administration have left our nation grappling with the consequences of misguided policies.  It comes as no surprise that a recent Fox News poll that highlighted with recession woes, foreign policy conflicts, and heated election campaigning that 4 in 10 voters feel 2023 was good for them personally and over 2 in 10 say the same for the country. While both numbers are up over 10 points since reaching record lows in 2020, majorities feel the year ending was another bad one.  What is clear is that “We the People” are fed up and frustrated with the status quo. Let’s Go Brandon!

What is also equally concerning is the erosion of democratic principles as exemplified by the unconstitutional decisions to omit President Trump from ballots in Colorado and Maine.  In Maine, it’s outrageous that Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who was elected by her state legislature and not the Maine voters could cite her rationale as an “obligation” to uphold the Constitution and rule of law while simultaneously shredding both to pieces. Regardless of political affiliations, every citizen should be deeply troubled by any attempt to undermine the democratic process. The foundation of our republic rests on the sacred right of “We the People” to choose our leaders freely and fairly.  Not by unelected leaders and woke, lawfare ridden judges.  It’s time for SCOTUS to do the right thing – and overturn these flawed decisions by 9-0.

Closing out the year, U.S. District Judge Steve Jones accepted the new Georgia congressional and legislative voting districts that protect Republican partisan advantages, saying the creation of new majority-Black voting districts solved the illegal minority vote dilution that led him to order maps to be redrawn.  The judge’s approval of Georgia’s redrawn maps sets the stage for their use in 2024 elections. It is expected that their implementation is likely to reproduce the current 9-5 Republican majority among Georgia’s 14 congressional seats and a 33-23 GOP margin in the Senate.  (DeKalb is now comprised of three Congressional Districts – GA 4th, GA5th and GA13th.)  While several political pundits predict that Democrats are likely to gain one or two seats in the State House that now has a 102-78 Republican margin, it does pit several career politician Democrats against each other.  As a person that likes to view the glass half full, I see new opportunities to #VoteDeKalbRed.  We do need to remember Rep. Rey Martinez’s warnings about slowing losing our slim majorities in the General Assembly.  Where we can gain ground is in changing hearts and minds in Blue Counties like DeKalb but it is going to take recruiting qualified candidates for all of the down ballot races –especially those in competitive districts and where Democrats will be forced to primary each other.  Where there is a D – we need an R.  We can replicate our 2022 successes where we had 25 candidates on the primary ballot and doubled Republican voter turnout.  During the General, we increased the margins of victory by 11% ensuring that we had Republican Constitutional Officers at the helm – and made DeKalb Democrats work harder while DeKalb Republicans worked smarter. Please send me a message if you are interested in becoming a 2024 Georgia Senate and House candidate.

Looking ahead to the 2024 election cycle, the stakes have never been higher. It is not merely a partisan battle but a crucial moment for every American who cherishes the principles of liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness. We must unite as a nation, transcending party lines to safeguard the core tenets that make our country exceptional.

As Republicans our shared values of standing for limited government, individual liberties, and the unyielding belief in the American dream will ultimately forge us forward. In 2024, we have the opportunity and responsibility to shape the future of our nation. Let us champion policies that empower individuals, protect our constitutional rights, and ensure prosperity for all.

In the coming year, let our collective resolve be a beacon of hope, guiding us through the challenges that lie ahead. Together, we can ensure that the principles upon which our nation was founded endure, securing a brighter and more promising future for every American.

On behalf of the DeKalb Republican Party, wishing you and your loved ones a Happy New Year filled with hope, prosperity, and the enduring spirit of freedom. It’s that spirit that we ring in the new year, and continue on our journey to work together to #VoteDeKalbRed and #KeepGARed! Happy New Year 2024! Let’s believe in the magic of the new year, embrace the hard work that lies ahead and appreciate how united we will stand and divided we will fall.

Warmest Regards,

Marci McCarthy, Chairman, DeKalb County Republican Party
chairman@dekalbgop.org