A few days after the inauguration the country is gearing up for the advancement of the Golden Age of America and the local Republican Executive Committee, (REC) has a new leader who is looking to bring the Golden Age Jacksonville community.

The December REC election that resulted in Charles Barr becoming chairman was referred to in a previous story published by Eye as spirited, noting that the election did not result from a routine shuffling as Barr was not endorsed by the former chairman, who is now the state committeeman as well as a state representative. 

Barr previously told Eye that he ran for office because he wanted to see some changes. That story also stated that internal struggles in the local Republican Party are what likely led to the election of a new slate of officers.

Barr, a lifelong resident of Jacksonville’s northside, who has been active on the TRUE Commission, Arlington Republican Club, and a Citizen Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC), said his goals are to focus on unity, transparency and outreach.

Barr stated that his campaign called for unity long before he took office and that he received support from across many of the opposing factions, demonstrating that he could indeed unify his party.

“I have a great rapport with almost all of the active members of this committee where previous members and leadership had unnecessary conflicts with one another, Barr said. “Even now, we are seeing numerous former REC members (from across various factions), who had left because of earlier division and chaos, rejoining due to their excitement of my vision for the party.”

While President Trump stated in his inaugural address that he is focusing on making America greater, stronger, and far more exceptional than ever before, Barr is focusing on the doing much of the same at the local and state levels.

“We have the 2026 governor’s race coming up and the critical 2027 Mayoral race immediately after, along with key school board and city council races along the way,” said Barr. “I plan to bring us all together and stay focused on registering new GOP voters and electing conservative Republicans, especially on the local level, with a specific target of making Democratic Mayor Donna Deegan a one term mayor.”

Rumors floating that some will try to sabotage the efforts of the new chairman and committee members don’t seem to dissuade Barr.

“It’s imperative that we succeed in Duval, so I hope no one is actively trying to make me fail,” said Barr. In the cases of disagreements within the party, I will encourage and demand respectful dialogue, and will call out vitriol and nasty behavior, including from my supporters as well. “If anyone is actively trying to sabotage me and the duly elected REC board, then they obviously don’t care for our city, or quite frankly the Duval GOP party. I have no political ambitions to damage. Causing myself and our team to fail will not hurt me; it will hurt Duval County residents and as a pivotal swing county, have ripple effects across the state and nation.”

Barr has also pledged transparency. “My door is always open, and I am here because our party needs to unify to defeat the radical left,” Barr said. “I believe the donors and members should be able to know the status of their investment, (both financial and volunteer-based), and be absolutely comfortable asking about these issues.”

Barr is particularly obligated to strengthening Outreach.

“Outreach has been non-existent in some previous committees,” he said. “Outreach to young people, working-class families, and minority communities will be a paramount priority for my administration. These three constituencies propelled the Trump coalition to victory, and we must engage likewise on the local level.”

Barr said that he has already begun establishing teams for outreach, particularly to the minority communities. 

“Jacksonville is made up of a large minority community whether it be in the black, Hispanic, Ukrainian, Asian, and many others,” said Barr. “It’s time Republicans reach out to the great folks in those communities, building trust and increasing voter registration in those communities.”

In the December election of officers of the REC, other winners were: Howdy Russell, vice chairman; Holli Dean, secretary and Pam Burton, treasurer.