Thank You, Patriots: Our Laser-Focused Mission to Build the Team for November Victory

The Raleigh GOP Northeast Region (part of the Wake County Republican Party) stayed laser-focused on our core mission during the Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Primary Election in North Carolina. That mission was singular and clear: recruit like-minded patriots to join us as we prepare for the critical November general election. We did not hold signs for any specific candidate, nor did we advocate for or against any individual on the ballot. Our sole attention was on grassroots efforts to build a committed team of volunteers dedicated to getting out the vote in November—where so much is at stake for our values and our country.

This statewide partisan primary selected GOP nominees for key races (including U.S. Senate, where Michael Whatley secured the nomination), with solid turnout in Wake County around 20%. Our volunteers worked tirelessly at polling sites across the region, engaging voters, sharing information about Republican principles, and inspiring new people to step up for the bigger fight ahead.

As Region Chair for Raleigh Northeast, alongside our Vice Chair Debbie Roesel, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to every volunteer who braved the incredibly cold morning to serve at the polls, connect with voters, and help advance our mission. Your dedication made a real impact.

Here are special shout-outs to standout volunteers across our region’s precincts:

• Precinct 13-02: A huge thanks to Tom Crockett, who lives outside our region (near

  Crabtree Mall) but drove over early to volunteer his time. He did a wonderful job! Later, Wil Burgon stepped in to relieve him and excelled at engaging with voters.

• Precinct 13-06: My next-door neighbor Jamie Long started first thing in the morning, working several hours despite a busy schedule and taking off work to commit to the cause through the morning into the afternoon.

• Precinct 13-09: Susie Earhart was a true trooper—there from open to close as a relatively new volunteer. Debbie and I are so appreciative of her dedication. Her husband Steve was also working inside as a poll observer.

• Precinct 13-10: James Ataei-Kachuei was there from early morning until polls closed. He rallied several conservative neighbors to join the effort—great job, James!

• Precinct 13-11 (Greenway Club / Falls River): Our current Precinct Chair Simon Percival, a dedicated patriot, was called to support another polling location where his talents were needed most. As a backup, we left signs and literature in a strategic spot just in case.

• Precinct 19-13: Andrew Townsend put in valiant effort from early morning to the last hours. I’m proud of how he represented the GOP with class.

• Precinct 19-14: Brian Wellons was there early until late, holding himself with military-like discipline—thanks, Brian! Gene Bridgemen also filled in for a time.

• Precinct 19-15: Tom Achterberg arrived first thing and handled setup like the seasoned 2024 volunteer he is—I knew we were in good hands. Jenny Simon, another experienced 2024 volunteer, joined later. Precinct Chair Herb McKinley had a morning commitment but arrived to take over, working hard despite his many responsibilities. Thank you, Tom, Jenny, and Herb!

To help beat the chill, Debbie and I made rounds with a jug of coffee, cups, cream, sugar, and a couple dozen donuts from a local shop—small gesture for such faithful service.

This election held extra personal meaning for me. I served as chair for a short season, and driving up to one site brought back sentimental memories of my mentor and friend John Slothower, the former precinct chair who passed away in December 2025. John, his wife Sharon, and I spent many hours together at that very poll site over the years. In an amazing coincidence, I was there exactly when Sharon arrived to cast her vote—her first Election Day without John, her high school sweetheart and husband of many years. We embraced, shared a moment with tears in our eyes, and remembered his committed patriotism. It was a poignant reminder of why we do this work.

Our vision remains steadfast: recruiting more volunteers in the Raleigh Northeast region to bolster our strength for November. If you reside in the area or are outside but wish to contribute—whether through precinct work, events, or future elections—please reach out! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our volunteers. Together, we are constructing the team we need to achieve success.

Proud to serve,

Alan Terrano

Region Chair, Raleigh GOP Northeast

(With appreciation from Vice Chair Debbie Roesel)