Each year the Florida Federation of Young Republicans (FFYR) holds their annual convention and elections towards the beginning of summer. Last week, 11 Broward County Young Republicans made the trek to Melbourne, Florida to be a part of this year’s events on June 11-12. We made the trip to reunite with friends from around the State, to hear from great conservative candidates and to take part in choosing the next State Board. For the first time, in quite a few years, we had contested races on a state level. It was amazing to see how many Young Republicans came out to vote and be a part of these FFYR Elections; showing once again that Young Republicans are passionate and dedicated to the Republican Party and willing to fight for our candidates.

Fighting for our candidates is something we are use to in Broward. We are in a county where we are outnumbered 4-1 by democrats. We have to yell a little louder to have our voices heard and fight a little harder to win elections. Republicans in Broward have a little more grit instilled within us, “we are tough” as *Sharon Day would say. Maybe it is because we are use to putting up a fight, that we are able to shine on a State level within the FFYR; because once again Broward YRs made an impact.

It was our own President, Sheela Venero, who was chosen to give the nominating speech for one of the candidates running for chairman; showing the importance of gaining support from Broward County. Our Immediate Past President, Anna Alexopoulos ran a great race for Vice Chairman of the FFYR and won in a land slide. Anna will continue to represent Broward while sitting and making decisions on the State board as second in command. Our secretary, Jessica Osman, was elected without opposition as the new FFYR Region VIII Chairman. Jessica will be responsible for overseeing all the YR clubs in South Florida. In addition, during the award ceremony the Broward County Young Republicans won “Small Club of the Year” (for clubs under 50 members). It is because of our commitment to our community, our involvement in Politics and our ability to lead that we stood out as a club and a family.

 Thank you to the entire executive board for all the hard work everyone has put forth to make this organization the best that it can possibly be.

 *Sharon Day is the State Committeewoman for Broward County (representing Broward before the Republican Party of Florida). She is the National Committeewoman for the state of Florida (representing Florida in front of the Republican National Committee) and she is the RNC Secretary (holding office within the Republican National Committee).