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Franklin-Southampton County Republican Committee changed leadership in an 88-24 vote on Thursday, March 21. The meeting was held inside the Southampton County Administration Building, with doors opening at 6 p.m.

Current Chairman Walt Brown and challenger Mark Kitchen were each given three minutes to campaign for votes amongst the 114 in attendance.

After nominating Michael Kemp as temporary chairman and voting concluded, the ballots were deposited in a ballot box, which was then taken to a secure corner of the room to be tallied. Two observers were selected to monitor and witness the counting process. 

After Kitchen was declared the winner, Brown immediately issued a challenge, citing an obscure committee rule stating that a candidate was ineligible if they had voted in a Democratic election in recent years. 

Kitchen agreed to sign a renunciation document, removing himself from any Democratic ties and becoming eligible to occupy the Chairman’s seat. The next meeting is scheduled for April 18, 2024.