Ottawa County GOP elects new chair after Studebaker exit
WEST OLIVE — A new chair was chosen by the Ottawa County Republican Party on Thursday, March 23.
More:Ottawa GOP's Joel Studebaker leaves to help run Michigan GOP
The committee, also known as the Ottawa GOP, recently saw the resignation of its past chair, Joel Studebaker, who is leaving his position to become chief of staff for the Michigan Republican Party, chaired by Kristina Karamo.
"That was not an easy discussion or decision,” Studebaker, elected by the group in January, said. “But it comes down to where I believe, personally, that God is calling me.”
Studebaker said there was “no way” he could serve both positions successfully.
“That would not be wise and I would fail at both,” he said. “Thank you all for electing me before, a few months ago. It is bittersweet, although it is just the chair position. I’m not leaving completely.”
Studebaker suggested Brenden Muir succeed him as chair. The group's committee members unanimously approved that recommendation. Several members were absent and some had a proxy, but no proxy attendees were allowed to vote Thursday.
Studebaker passed the gavel two seats over to Muir, who chaired the rest of the meeting.
“I’m here because of the last three years and the things that have happened in our government, in this state and company and it is a culture change — and I am allergic to it. I do not appreciate what's happening,” Muir said.
“I do not appreciate what we're dealing with as citizens; the stripping of our freedom through mandates, the stripping of the value of our savings through inflation, and a couple of other things. … So, I'm here because I want change.”
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Following the meeting, Muir declined to comment to The Tribune about his new position.
According to the Ottawa County Patriots’ website, Muir is a member of that organization, as well. Last year, during a speech, he said he was a new county resident, recently moving to Ottawa County from Oakland County.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Ottawa County GOP elects new chair after Studebaker exit
