The Lake County Republican Party hosted a successful Chairman’s Reception, raising over $50,000 in a single evening, according to Lake County Republican Party Chairman Taylor Yarkosky. The event also welcomed Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power, Orange County GOP Chair Erin Huntley, along with other local and state officials, each emphasizing the importance of unity, strong leadership, and a commitment to conservative values.

Chairman Yarkosky described the evening as a defining moment for the Lake County Republican Executive Committee, stating that a new era of leadership has begun. He spoke about the challenges faced in the past but reaffirmed the party’s commitment to principles, discipline, and integrity moving forward.

“We wake up, we sit up, and we show up, and we fight, but we do it with a good attitude, we do it with integrity, and we do it with discipline and obedience to the principles and standards—biblical, constitutional, law and order—that made this country great, made this county great,” he says.

He emphasized that the party’s mission is to ensure Lake County remains a conservative stronghold, stating, “We’ve got to fill the soils in this county to make them so red that nothing blue can ever grow in this county again.”

Chairman Power echoed this sentiment, highlighting Florida’s national leadership in the conservative movement and how the Republican Party of Florida has been a model for others.

“Florida leads the way,” he says. “We are the tip of the spear. If it had not been for us standing strong during COVID, there would have been no other solution.

Power celebrated the state’s recent electoral victories and emphasized the importance of staying committed to the Republican mission.

“We shifted our state 13 points Republican, the biggest victory since 1988,” he says. “We flipped six counties from Democrat to Republican. Florida leads the way, and we will continue to lead the way.

Orange County GOP Chair Erin Huntley spoke about the role of local leadership in strengthening the party, particularly in challenging political environments.

“Right now, Orange County is a little different, but we are mission-focused in the party,” she said, acknowledging the need for Republicans in Central Florida to collaborate. “The party’s job is to win elections, and elections are math. In Lake County, the math is a little easier for Republicans than in Orange County, but we know the map. The other part of the equation is also the candidates. You can’t win elections without great candidates.”

Republican State Committeewoman Barbara Price also addressed the crowd.

“We’ve been there before, and we’re gonna be there again under Taylor’s leadership,” she says. “I’m honored to serve with him. I’m honored to be surrounded by Nan, Keith, Taylor, Evan. I can tell you—it’s exciting times for the state of Florida. We have this. We’re going to continue to grow. We’re going to continue to fight for the freedom that Florida is known for.”

The $50,000 raised at the Chairman’s Reception is an achievement for the party. According to Yarkosky, the funds will directly support efforts to ensure Republican victories at every level, including election integrity initiatives, voter registration efforts, and candidate training.

Yarkosky reaffirmed that the party’s focus is on long-term success, ensuring that conservative leadership remains strong in the county and beyond.

“We are going to raise money, and then we are going to go to session and do the work that you elected us to do,” he says.

For those interested in getting involved or supporting the Lake County Republican Party, contact Info@LakeCountyRepublicans.org.