Open Letter: Ensuring Conservative Leadership in the Texas House

Download Letter (PDF)

December 23, 2024

Dear Representatives Todd Hunter and Denise Villalobos,

As Chairman of the Nueces County Republican Party, I am writing to respectfully urge you to uphold your commitment to the principles of the Republican Party and the voters who placed their trust in you.

Nueces County Republican Party Celebrates Landmark Victories!

November 6, 2024 – Nueces County delivered an unprecedented outcome for Republicans, achieving a remarkable 10-seat gain over Democrats and securing all our Republican-held seats. With this incredible support, we proudly confirm that Nueces County is solidly Republican and keeping Texas, Texas.

Across the state, Texans made their voices heard, reaffirming their commitment to conservative values. We celebrate Senator Ted Cruz’s re-election and the victory of all our statewide Republican officials, reinforcing that Texas remains a stronghold for the principles of freedom, fiscal responsibility, and security.

Download NCRP Official Statement 11-06-24 (PDF)

On October 8th, the Nueces County Republican Party held its monthly Executive Committee Meeting and voted to determine its positions on the upcoming November 5th ballot propositions concerning bonds and sales taxes in Nueces County. While we strongly support Nueces County, we believe that fiscal responsibility is the priority, and that taxpayer money should be used wisely.

To that end, we are proud to support Proposition F. Protecting our coastal regions is necessary for Nueces County’s long-term sustainability. This measure demonstrates a thoughtful approach to the goals of preserving our coastline, safeguarding residents, and supporting future generations.

However, after conducting an independent analysis, we announce our opposition to all other ballot propositions, including:

City of Corpus Christi 2024 Bonds: Proposition A, B, C, D

City of Corpus Christi Sales Tax Reauthorization: Proposition E

Corpus Christi Independent School District 2024 Bond: Proposition A

While the Nueces County Republican Party supports the building and improvement of city streets, parks, educational infrastructure, and public safety buildings, the proposed financial approach taken by the above propositions raises serious concerns about the long-term financial health of Corpus Christi, specifically regarding an increase in tax-supported debt held by the city and school district.

The City of Corpus Christi faces a $9.1 million cut to its 2025 operating budget. Corpus Christi ISD carries a $26.6 million budget deficit. Now is not the time to add $175 million to the City’s current debt of $1.683 billion or to add $135.4 million to the ISD’s debt current $765,580,929 million in principal bond debt.

We encourage local leaders to refocus their efforts on living within their means, working within current budgets, and ensuring that any future bond proposals are better aligned with the immediate needs of our citizens and long-term fiscal stability.

“I believe it's vital for the Nueces County Republican Party to take a stand on key local issues that affect our community’s future. I’m grateful to our Executive Committee for their hard work in thoroughly researching these ballot propositions and ensuring we are advocating for fiscal responsibility and protecting taxpayer dollars." — Carmen A. Calderone Jr., Chairman of the Nueces County Republican Party

City of Corpus Christi

Proposition A (Streets) - Vote No

Proposition B (Parks and Recreation) - Vote No

Proposition C (Public Safety) - Vote No

Proposition D (Cultural Facilities) - Vote No

Proposition E (Streets -Arterial and Collector; and Recreational and Community Facilities) - Vote No

Proposition F (City-Wide Flood Control, Drainage and Coastal Resiliency) - Vote YES

CCISD

Proposition A - Vote No

Download Press Release (PDF)

Nueces County Republican Party: “Get Out the Vote: Take America Back Rally"

Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas —

The Nueces County Republican Party is thrilled to announce the Get Out the Vote: Take America Back Rally on Saturday, September 28th, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Legacy Event Center Parking Lot (corner of Staples and Holly).

This rally will feature Republican candidates addressing the crowd, sharing their vision, and connecting with voters. Attendees can meet candidates, receive campaign materials, and join in the excitement ahead of the upcoming elections.

Event Highlights Include:

• Free Snow Cones
• Food Trucks Available
• Voter Registration
• Door Prizes
• Music and family-friendly entertainment
• Special Guest Speakers (to be announced)

This is a family-friendly event open to all. Let’s rally together to Take America Back!

Event Details:

• Date: September 28th, 2024
• Time: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Location: Legacy Event Center Parking Lot, 5633 S. Staples, Corpus Christi, TX 78411

For more information, visit https://www.nuecescountygop.com/Republican_Candidate_Rally

###

MORE INFORMATION – PLEASE CONTACT:
Carmen Calderone Jr.: Text: (361) 273-3156 | [email protected]

Download Press Release Announcement of Event (PDF)

Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas —

On September 10th, the Nueces County Republican Party held its monthly Executive Committee Meeting where, for the first time, it endorsed conservative candidates running in 2024 non-partisan elections. Despite these positions being nominally non-partisan, the races have still often been dominated by partisan values due to slanted leftist groups throwing their full support behind their desired candidates.

Due to the importance of the upcoming November 2024 election, Nueces County Republicans have chosen for the first time to stand up and back those candidates that support true conservative values and officially endorse them.  The threshold to earn endorsement required 75% of the body to vote in support. This high threshold ensures that those candidates endorsed truly support the proper vision for Corpus Christi and Nueces County.

Therefore, the Nueces County Republican Party is proud to endorse the following candidates:

Michael Hunter, Corpus Christi Mayor

Carolyn Vaughn, City Council At-Large

Larry Elizondo, City Council At-Large

Jahvid Motaghi, City Council At-Large

Albert Carrillo III, City Council District 3

Kaylynn Paxson, City Council District 4

Gil Hernandez, City Council District 5

Michael Bergsma, CC-ISD School Board At-Large

Samuel Aundrá Fryer, CC-ISD School Board At-Large

Jerry Hooper, Flour Bluff ISD School Board, Place 1

Jennifer Welp, Flour Bluff ISD School Board, Place 6

Brian Boone, Tuloso-Midway ISD School Board, Place 1

www.NuecesCountyGOP.com/2024_Local_Candidate_Endorsements

Download Press Release (PDF)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, September 12th, 2023

Nueces County Republican Party Recommends the Appointment of James Sales for Nueces County District Attorney

Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas —

On September 12, 2023, at the Nueces County Republican Party Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, the Committee voted to recommend that Governor Abbott appoint James Sales to serve as temporary Nueces County District Attorney until next fall’s election.

This resolution was passed in the wake of Mark Gonzalez (D) announcing he would step down as Nueces County District Attorney. Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) is now poised to fill the vacant office by appointment for a person to serve until the 2024 general election.

The Nueces County Republican Party called for an emergency meeting to provide its recommendation to Governor Abbott. The Party first voted to decide whether the Party would make a formal recommendation. The Party voted unanimously to proceed with a recommendation.

Four candidates were nominated by the Executive Committee, including Kristi Britt, Frank Errico, Doug Norman, and James Sales. After an opportunity for each candidate to speak and answer questions from the Executive Committee, the Party voted and reached an overwhelming majority vote to recommend James Sales for Governor Abbott’s appointment.

“I am grateful to the Republican Precinct Chairs for the confidence they have in me. I pray that the Governor will allow me the opportunity to justify that confidence.” – James Sales

The Nueces County Republican Party’s recommendation does not come lightly and came after careful consideration of all the worthy candidates. The Party urges Governor Abbott to consider the Party’s recommendation as the Party’s Executive Committee are those closest to the voters of Nueces County and best positioned to ensure the appointed District Attorney will uphold the values of criminal justice important to Nueces County.

“We, the Nueces County Republican Party, appreciate all the Candidates who attended, spoke, and answered tough questions from our Executive Committee. I’m grateful for the decorum and thoughtful process our Executive Committee took at tonight’s meeting. We are a party that is willing to make tough decisions and stay united.” – Carmen Calderone Jr., NCRP Chairman

###

MORE INFORMATION – PLEASE CONTACT:
Carmen Calderone: Mobile/Text: (361) 273-3156 | [email protected]