The Okaloosa County Republican Executive Committee (OCREC) has ushered in a new era of leadership by electing Doug Stauffer as its Chairman alongside a slate of other new officers. This marks a significant transition for the organization, with all four Executive Board positions replaced in the recent election.
Doug Stauffer, a pastor, author, Life Media writer and Niceville City Councilman, was overwhelmingly chosen to lead the party, garnering more than 75% of the vote. Stauffer made headlines early in 2024 when he won a Niceville City Council seat through a historic coin flip to break a tie vote. He has been a member of OCREC since 2019 and has served as Treasurer for the last two terms.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to be elected Chairman of the Republican Party of Okaloosa County,” stated Stauffer. “With President Trump’s election as our 47th President, the Panhandle counties must remain a bedrock of conservative values in Florida. As the world watches our nation over the next four years, we are poised to lead with strength, unity, and a commitment to our shared principles.”
Stauffer also addressed the role of faith in public service: “Christians have been told they should stay out of politics, but the opposite is true. While government needs to stay out of the church, Christians must greatly influence the government. The Founding Fathers designed our Republic to be guided by biblical principles, ensuring that faith and values form the bedrock of a just and moral society. Republicans must insist on ‘following the science’ rather than ideologies driven by agenda-based narratives that undermine truth, freedom and morality.”
Stauffer succeeds Sandra Atkinson, who dedicated over 12 years to the OCREC and served as Chair for the past four years, a period marked by significant challenges within the Okaloosa Republican Party. She withdrew her name from the ballot during the Republican primary in June. Her departure comes as the OCREC undergoes a transformative renewal, welcoming over 50 new members and embracing a fresh start.
OCREC members elected Chris McKay, the former Secretary, as Vice Chair and Diana Graham, who succeeded McKay as Secretary. Neither had a challenger and were elected by unanimous consent. Stauffer appointed Ed Gilbert as interim Treasurer until a formal election for that position is held on January 27, 2025.
Okaloosa County remains a Republican stronghold, with registered Republicans far outnumbering Democrats. President Trump, Senator Rick Scott, State Senator Don Gaetz, and State Representative Patt Maney secured over 70% of the county’s vote in the November general election. Representative Maney emphasized, “To maintain our momentum, we must boost turnout to counter heavily Democratic counties. With key races ahead, including Congressional and State House elections, robust education and get-out-the-vote efforts will be critical.”
The OCREC is a critical resource for Republican candidates, designed to provide support, training, and grassroots organization. “We are not campaign managers,” emphasized Stauffer. “Our role is to serve as a resource pool for Republican candidates at every level, from city and county positions to congressional and other national offices.” Voter turnout in Okaloosa County dropped by 2% from the 2020 presidential election.
Stauffer brings a wealth of experience to his role, balancing his duties as pastor of Faith Independent Baptist Church, Niceville City Councilman, and a commissioner for the Niceville CRA, the Okaloosa County Transit Cooperative, and the Okaloosa County Library Governing Board.
Stauffer’s leadership seeks to rebrand the county Republican party as a unified, cohesive organization dedicated to constitutional principles. Okaloosa County should serve as a model county for others to follow. Success will be measured not by maintaining the status quo, but by principled individuals achieving truly conservative outcomes that align with the founding of this great Republic. For more information or to get involved, please visit www.OkaloosaGOP.com.
