By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Thursday, November 12, the Greater Birmingham Young Republicans (GBYRs) met at Sidebar in Birmingham to elect new leadership.
Justin Barkley was elected the new Chairman of the GBYRs. Barkley and the other officers elected were elected unanimously and without opposition.
Barkley told the Alabama Political Reporter, “I am really pleased and excited to be Chairman in the upcoming election year. I am committed to working hard to elect Republicans in Jefferson County and throughout Alabama.”
Barkley is a business executive for a Shelby County based healthcare company. He lives with his wife and four children in Homewood. He is originally from Montgomery and graduated from Hoover High School. He has attended Harvard University, and the University of Alabama School of Law. Barkley is a member of the Jefferson County Republican Party Executive Committee and a member of the Associate Board of the Alabama Policy Institute. The Barkleys are active members at Riverchase United Methodist Church.
Haley Lucido was elected Vice Chairman.
Mary Meighan Warren was elected as Secretary.
Caleb Parker was elected Treasurer.
The new State Committeeman is Sean Grehalva.
The State Committeewoman is Anna Schmarkey.
Zach Bowman was elected County Liaison.
The Sergeant at Arms is Alex Cobb.
Outgoing GBYR Vice Chairman Marshall Hollis said, “Congratulations to all the newly elected officers.”
Barkley said that he was, “Open to new ideas on how to build a larger more inclusive club.” Next year is an election year and the GBYRs will be active working for Republican candidates, particularly here in Jefferson County.
Barkley said that the next meeting will by the annual Christmas Party which is tentatively set for December 17 at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. This is tentative and is still subject to possible change.
Justin Barkley is also a candidate for the State Board of Education Place 3 where he is challenging incumbent Stephanie Bell (R) in the March 1 primary.
Jefferson County Republican Party Chair Sally Bryant announced that on December 1 at 6:00 pm there will be a fundraiser at the Wine Loft to raise money for Jefferson County Judicial candidates. “In recent elections the courts have been trending purple even blue,”
Jim Bryant announced that the Mid Alabama Republican Club (MARC) will have a meeting this coming Saturday, November 14. Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) will be the primary speaker. There will be a question and answer session. Breakfast starts at 8:00 am and the Speaker starts promptly at 9:00 am.
Jim Bryant said that there will be coffee and donuts. “I would love for all of you to come.” Mr. Bryant said that he is working on getting PSC President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh as the Speaker in February and Senator Richard Shelby in January.
Outgoing GBYR Chairman Jackie Curtiss remains the Chairman of the Young Republican Federation of Alabama. The GBYRs are one of the affiliated chapters.
Rep. Phil Williams addressed the GBYRs about his effort to unseat Rep. Mike Hubbard as the Speaker of the House.
