The Republican Party
Fighting for Civil Rights Before It Was Cool
The Republican Party was founded on July 6, 1854 in Jackson, Michigan, by a group of patriots committed to ending slavery. That marks the beginning of the first political party formed to advance civil rights and the beginning of Republican leadership in America. In 1860, just six years after forming the GOP, Abraham Lincoln was elected the first Republican President. “As President, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the slaves, and fought to preserve the Union. Ultimately, President Lincoln gave his life in the fight for freedom and liberty in young America.
It was Republicans who led the fight in Congress to give women the right to vote with the 19th Amendment. Republican Congressman James Mann introduced the bill in the House in 1919, winning its passage with a Republican majority. The following year, 36 states ratified the Amendment (26 of them Republican). In the first election allowing women the vote, staunch suffrage supporter, Republican Warren G. Harding, was elected in 1920 in a landslide 26-point victory.
And the landmark Civil Rights Bill of 1964 was passed with more than 80% of Republicans in Congress leading the charge.
America remains a young nation but our commitment to the ideals spelled out in our Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights have helped establish us as the most diverse nation in the history of mankind. We are more pluralistic, tolerant, and welcoming than any other country on the planet.
Upon recommending the name “Republican” in 1854, the great New York newspaperman, Horace Greeley, noted the founders were “united to restore the Union to its true mission of champion and promulgator of Liberty rather than propagandist of slavery.”
Never have those words been more true. As the Radical Left works to “cancel” those they disagree with, and rewrite American history based on 21st Century “Woke” values, America is more divided than ever. And it is Democrats that are widening that divide.
Never have those words been more true. As the Radical Left works to “cancel” those they disagree with, and rewrite American history based on 21st Century “Woke” values, America is more divided than ever. And it is Democrats that are widening that divide.
The Republican Party, however, is focused on what brings diverse Americans together in celebration of our nation, our history, and our future. We believe in all Americans’ opportunity to succeed, the freedom to make their own choices, and to be fearless in expressing themselves.
Today, we remain the party of the little guy: The worker, the small business owner, the entrepreneur. The Democrats are the party of the elites: Big Tech, Big Media, Big Labor, Big Corporations, Big Cities, and Big Government. All of which got richer and more powerful over the pandemic, while small businesses, families, children, and workers suffered.
Our goal is to put the little guy back in charge and restore the American Dream for everyone, regardless of where they come from, or where they live. That means electing Republicans up and down this great state.