Nueces County Republican Party chair stepping down; special election planned

Kirsten Crow, Corpus Christi Caller Times
·1 min read

Nueces County Republicans will have a new party chair in the coming weeks.

Barbie Baker — who was elected to the role in a special election two years ago — recently announced her resignation from the position, prompting a special election by the executive committee April 11.

The executive committee, made up of 128 Republican precinct chairs, elects the party chair. Those who are not precinct chairs, however, can be nominated for consideration as party chair.

Barbie Baker
Barbie Baker

Baker told the Caller-Times on Friday that she operates as an organization foundation builder. In her tenure as party chair, that meant everything from updating policies and procedures to encouraging next-in-line leaders.

The 2022 election, she said, showed a strong party participation — as reflected in the flipping of the Nueces County judgeship from Democrat to Republican, and the party garnering more judicial seats.

Part of being an organization foundation builder is giving “opportunity for the next generation to take on those roles to learn and lead,” Baker said.

In this Nov. 8 file photo, people are shown gathered at an Election Day Republican watch party at Brewster Street Ice House.
In this Nov. 8 file photo, people are shown gathered at an Election Day Republican watch party at Brewster Street Ice House.

She said she intends to remain active in the party following the end of her chairmanship in April.

The ultimate goal is to bring Republican voters out to elections, support the party’s priorities and to “keep Texas red,” said Nancy Graves, a member of the executive committee.

“We need a powerful leader,” she said. “(Baker) has been a powerful leader. She’s been a unifier.”

Additional information about the election and nomination process can be requested by emailing Baker at chairman@nuecescountygop.com or Carmen Calderone at carmen.calderone@pm.me.

More: GOP rally sees packed houseAt Republican rally, South Texas billed as key to election outcomes

More: Republicans win county judgeship'It does not feel real': Scott bests Canales by 11 points to be next Nueces County judge

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Nueces County Republican Party chair resigns; special election planned