The Clarendon County Republican Party elected new leadership during its county convention held Saturday, April 12, at party headquarters on North Brooks Street.
Jose Calvo was elected chairman by acclamation, replacing outgoing chairman Moye Graham, who presided over the meeting for the final time. Roger Jowers was elected First Vice Chairman, followed by Cindy Risher as Second Vice Chairman, Mark McCormick as Third Vice Chairman, Elaine Wood as Treasurer, and Graham as the new Executive Committeeman.
“This will be the last convention that I put on as chair,” Graham told attendees. “I appreciate all of y’all being here—it’s very important. Some of y’all in here will be going to the state convention in May, and today sets the stage for the next two years.”
South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick delivered a keynote address highlighting Republican victories across the state, including the party’s growing supermajority in the State Senate.
“I’ve been involved since the late ’80s,” McKissick said. “Back then, Clarendon County was blacked out. That wasn’t that long ago, and it was hard. Leadership matters, and I’ve seen the difference strong local leadership can make.”
The crowd heard from several speakers throughout the afternoon, including McKissick, who praised the local party’s commitment to grassroots organizing. “You want to know why what we do matters? Just look at the news,” he said. “We’ve gone deep into Democratic territory and picked up wins in places we never expected—because of the work folks in rooms like this are doing.”
Approximately 33 registered delegates participated in the voting process. Delegates acknowledged and accepted the standard convention rules and agenda before moving into officer elections and delegate selection.
The following individuals were elected to represent Clarendon County at the South Carolina Republican Party State Convention on May 3: Moye Graham, Jose Calvo, Maureen Calvo, Fawn Pedalino, Roger Jowers, Mark McCormick, John Matthews, Joe Pedalino Sr., Breanna Hodge, Joe Pedalino Jr., Cindy Risher, Kay Jowers, Anna Pedalino, and Elaine Wood. Twelve alternates were also selected.
The meeting concluded with a benediction from Pastor John Matthews of Cornerstone Fellowship FWB Church and a motion to recess the convention.
