2025 NCGOP Plan of Organization Committee Report and Draft

The 2025 Plan of Organization Committee has conducted an extensive review and revision of the North Carolina Republican Party’s Plan of Organization, culminating in the proposed Amended and Restated Plan presented for approval at the 2025 NCGOP State Convention.

Committee Overview

The Plan of Organization Committee, chaired by Daniel Barry, has been tasked with a comprehensive review of the North Carolina Republican Party’s State Plan of Organization. The committee, composed of representatives from various districts and at-large members, has worked diligently to address inconsistencies, clarify provisions, and enhance the efficiency of the party’s organizational structure.

Committee Activities

As announced at the 2024 NCGOP State Convention, the committee has been engaged in a deep review of the State Plan of Organization over the past 16 months. Meeting nearly weekly via Zoom and in person, the committee invested approximately 50,000 man-hours. The mission was to simplify the Plan, create an efficient and effective statewide organization, allow counties and districts flexibility based on local needs, and ensure consistent language and style. The ultimate goal is a vibrant, nimble organization focused on winning elections.

Over the past two decades, the Plan developed contradictions and conflicting provisions. The committee maintained a list of items to address, from structure to credentialing processes. Due to the Plan’s complexity and interconnectivity, a comprehensive revision was necessary, as piecemeal amendments contributed to existing issues.

Governance Changes

The Amended State Plan of Organization includes a handful of governance changes, with most revisions focused on cleaning up language, removing inconsistencies, and reorganizing for readability. Key governance changes include:

• Precinct Executive Committees: No substantial change.
• County Executive Committees: Clarified roles for General Counsel and Election Integrity Officer, with clearer language to expand based on the County Plan of Organization.
• Legislative and Judicial Districts: Provided clarity of purpose and organization.
• Congressional District Executive Committee: Reduced At-Large members, established an allocation formula for multi-county districts, and focused on supporting County Parties.
• State Central Committee: Renamed to Operating Committee, modified membership to include Affiliate Representation, and added standing committees (Personnel, Audit, Finance). Granted appointment power for the Arbitration Committee.
• State Executive Committee: Remains the governing body, with adjusted At-Large membership apportioned by formula across counties in each Congressional District. Mandates quarterly meetings, requires committee reports, and includes time for new business and resolutions. Affiliate Leaders are members, and elected officials’ votes are adjusted if they exceed 15% of those present.

Other addressed items include:

• Consistent convention credentialing process statewide.
• Creation of a Model County Plan of Organization.
• Simplified process for reconstituting congressional organizations in redistricting years.
• Strengthened party neutrality rules, prohibiting censures and resolutions of disapproval for announced candidates and requiring a super-majority vote otherwise.
• New rules for disinterested decision-makers in removal matters.
• Clear transition rules.

2025 NCGOP Organization Chart

Plan of Organization Preamble

We, the Members of the Republican Party of North Carolina, are dedicated to the sound principles fostered by our Party, are conscious of our civic responsibilities and rights, and are firm in our determination to preserve the American principle that government ought and must be of all the people, by all of the people, and for all of the people. Therefore, for the purpose of uniting and coordinating our efforts for maximum power and efficiency, and providing focus to win elections, we hereby establish this instrument, the Plan of Organization of the Republican Party of North Carolina.

Article One - The Party and Its Members

1. The Republican Party

• Section 1-101. North Carolina Republican Party and Its Constituent Entities: The NCGOP has exclusive rights to conduct party affairs in the state, with constituent entities in precincts, counties, and congressional, judicial, senate, and house districts. Municipal organizations are not governed by this Plan.
• Section 1-102. Party Defined: "Party" refers to the Republican Party generally, the State Party, or its constituent entities, depending on context.

2. The Members of the Republican Party

• Section 1-201. The Party Derives Its Authority from Its Members: The NCGOP is a grassroots organization. Members elect precinct delegates, who elect county leadership and delegates to district and state conventions. The State Convention adopts or amends the Plan, and county-elected members form the majority of the State Executive Committee.
• Section 1-202. Member Defined: A "Member" is a U.S. citizen, North Carolina resident, and registered Republican voter.
• Section 1-203. Rights of Members: All Members can participate in NCGOP affairs per this Plan.
• Section 1-204. Right to Run for, Be Appointed to, and Hold a Party Office: Party office candidates must be Members and residents of the relevant jurisdiction, except for the North Carolina Federation of Teenage Republicans representative if underage.

Article Two - This Plan of Organization

1. In General

• Section 2-101. Scope of This Plan: Governs the NCGOP’s organization and operation, amendable by State Convention delegates. Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised applies where consistent.
• Section 2-102. Plans Adopted by Constituent Entities: County and District Parties may adopt their own Plans, not inconsistent with this Plan. Otherwise, this Plan governs.
• Section 2-103. Design of Section Numbers: Sections are numbered by article, division, and order within the division.

2. The State Plan of Organization Committee

• Section 2-201. Role of the State Plan of Organization Committee in General: A standing committee proposing amendments, revising convention-adopted amendments, ensuring county/district plan consistency, and creating a Model County Plan.
• Section 2-202. Drafting Guidelines: Ensures consistent style, grammar, and approach for amendments.
• Section 2-203. Corrections: Corrects minor errors without altering intent.
• Section 2-204. Amendments Proposed by the State Plan of Organization Committee: Must comply with guidelines, federal/state law, and RNC rules.
• Section 2-205. Other Amendments Adopted by the State Convention: Committee adjusts style or resolves inconsistencies for convention-adopted amendments.
• Section 2-206. Effective Date of Amendments to the Plan: Effective upon convention adjournment unless specified otherwise.
• Section 2-207. Determination of Inconsistency with the State Plan: County/district plans found inconsistent must be amended within 60 days.

3. Temporary Amendments to this Plan

• Section 2-301. Temporary Amendments Necessary to Comply with Law: Committee may temporarily amend to comply with law, expiring at next convention.

4. Model County Plan of Organization

• Section 2-401. Model County Plan of Organization: Committee may adopt and amend a Model County Plan, which counties may adopt with amendments consistent with this Plan.

Article Three - Precinct Organization

1. Organized Precincts

• Section 3-101. The Precinct Committee: Consists of Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and other appointed members, administering party affairs in the precinct.
• Section 3-102. Term of Office: Elected in odd-numbered years, terms end at the next odd-year meeting or successor election.
• Section 3-103. Duties of the Committee: Elect Republican candidates, recruit volunteers, assist in voter turnout, and provide election official lists.
• Section 3-104. Duties of Individual Officers: Chair oversees precinct affairs, Vice Chair assists, Secretary maintains records.
• Section 3-105. Vacancy in a Precinct Office: County Chair nominates temporary replacement, ratified by County Executive Committee.
• Section 3-106. Removal of a Precinct Officer: Automatic removal per Section 9-302; other removals by two-thirds County Executive Committee vote after notice.

2. Unorganized Precincts

• Section 3-201. Vacancy in All Offices of the Precinct Committee: County Chair and Executive Committee fill vacancies in unorganized precincts.
• Section 3-202. Non-Resident Administrator: County Chair may appoint a non-resident administrator to manage unorganized precincts until a resident Chair is elected.

3. Annual Precinct Meetings

• Section 3-301. Call and Notice of the Annual Precinct Meeting: Held in February or March, called by County Chair by January 20.
• Section 3-302. Eligibility to Participate: Members registered as Republicans by January 31 or newly eligible may participate.
• Section 3-303. Registration and Quorum: Participants register with contact details; quorum is one unless otherwise specified.
• Section 3-304. Eligibility to Be Elected as an Officer or Delegate: Only precinct residents are eligible, with provisional voting for unresolved eligibility.
• Section 3-305. Election of Precinct Officers: Elected in odd-numbered years, including absent members who self-nominate.
• Section 3-306. Election of Delegates and Alternates to the County Convention: One delegate plus one per 100 members; equal alternates elected after delegates.
• Section 3-307. Certification and Delivery of Annual Meeting Results and Documents: Secretary certifies election results and meeting records to County Secretary and Credentials Committee.

4. Other Precinct Meetings

• Section 3-401. Call of Other Precinct Meetings: Called by committee members or five precinct members, with notice and quorum as for annual meetings.

Article Four - County Organization

1. Purpose

• Section 4-101. Purpose: Create an effective county organization under the County Executive Committee to drive election victories.

2. Committee Members

• Section 4-201. Voting Members: Includes Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, five others, General Counsel or Election Integrity Officer, and optional members per County Plan.
• Section 4-202. Non-voting Members: May participate in debates but not vote or count toward quorum.
• Section 4-203. The Election or Appointment of the County Executive Committee: Officers elected in odd-numbered years; County Chair nominates additional roles for ratification.

3. The County Executive Committee

• Section 4-301. Duties of the County Executive Committee: Manage county affairs, approve strategic plans, elect Republicans, meet quarterly, adopt budgets, and recommend Board of Elections nominees.
• Section 4-302. Committees: Optional Executive Board, Finance, Auditing, and Election Integrity Committees may be created.

4. Officers

• Section 4-401. Duties of the Officers: Outlined in subsequent sections.
• Section 4-402. Chair: Supervises county affairs, proposes strategic plans, and issues convention calls.
• Section 4-403. Vice Chair: Acts as Chair in absence, issues calls if Chair fails.
• Section 4-404. Secretary: Keeps minutes and rosters.
• Section 4-405. Treasurer: Manages funds and complies with campaign finance laws.
• Section 4-406. General Counsel: Provides legal and parliamentary advice.
• Section 4-407. Finance Chair: Oversees fundraising efforts.

Article Five - State Senatorial, State House, and Judicial Districts

1. District Executive Committees

• Section 5-101. Purpose of the District Executive Committees: Replace vacated General Assembly members or nominees and encourage candidates.
• Section 5-102. Establishment of District Executive Committees: Created for each senatorial, house, and judicial district.
• Section 5-103. Membership: County Executive Committee members and nominated residents for unrepresented districts.

2. Replacement of a Member of the General Assembly

• Section 5-201. Replacement of a Republican Member of the General Assembly: District Executive Committee recommends a replacement to the Governor.
• Section 5-202. Voting: Equal votes in single-county districts; weighted in multi-county districts.
• Section 5-203. Reporting: Secretary reports recommendation to relevant officials.

3. Filling a Vacancy between a Primary and General Election

• Section 5-301. Replacement of a Republican Nominee: Committee fills vacancies for certain offices.
• Section 5-302. Voting: Equal or weighted votes as per Section 5-202.
• Section 5-303. Reporting: Secretary certifies nominee to election boards.

4. Officers

• Section 5-401. Election of Officers: Committee elects Chair and Secretary upon formation or redistricting.
• Section 5-402. Call of Meeting: Called by various chairs with flexible notice for urgent meetings.

Article Six - Congressional District Organization

1. Purpose

• Section 6-101. Purpose: Support County Parties, elect congressional nominees, and share best practices.

2. District Organization

• Section 6-201. Voting Members: District officers, county chairs/vice chairs, appointed officials, and At-Large members.
• Section 6-202. Duties: Manage district affairs, support counties, meet quarterly, adopt budgets, and fill congressional nominee vacancies.
• Section 6-203. Limitation on Authority: No control over County Parties.

3. Officers

• Section 6-301. The Chair: Presides, supports counties, and issues convention calls.
• Section 6-302. The Vice Chair: Acts in Chair’s absence.
• Section 6-303. Secretary: Keeps records and rosters.
• Section 6-304. Treasurer: Manages funds and budgets.
• Section 6-305. General Counsel: Provides legal advice and serves as Election Integrity Officer.
• Section 6-306. Finance Chair: Advises county fundraising efforts.

4. Redistricting

• Section 6-401. Policy with Respect to Redistricting: Ensures orderly transition and campaign readiness.
• Section 6-402. Congressional District Conventions in Redistricting Years: Held as scheduled despite map changes.
• Section 6-403. Call of New District Executive Committee Organizational Meetings: Called by State Chair post-redistricting.
• Section 6-404. Membership of New Committees: Includes county officers and prior district chairs under certain conditions.
• Section 6-405. Survival of Plan of Organization of Prior District: Prior plan governs if majority of voters remain.
• Section 6-406. Organizational Meeting of the New Congressional District Executive Committee: Elects officers for new districts.
• Section 6-407. Appointed Positions: District Chair appoints Finance Chair, General Counsel, and standing committee members.

Article Seven - State Organization

1. The State Executive Committee

• Section 7-101. Role of the State Executive Committee: Governing body of the NCGOP.
• Section 7-102. Members: Includes state/district/county/affiliate members and ex-officio elected officials.
• Section 7-103. Substituted Voting Members: Allows substitutes for certain officers/chairs.
• Section 7-104. Meetings: Held quarterly with specific agenda requirements.
• Section 7-105. Voting: Adjusted for elected officials if over 15% of attendees.
• Section 7-106. Quorum: 25% of members unless otherwise specified.
• Section 7-107. Duties of the Committee: Sets policy, adopts budgets, and oversees party affairs.

2. The Operating Committee

• Section 7-201. Voting Members: Includes state officers, district chairs, and affiliate leaders.
• Section 7-202. Non-voting Members: Includes assistant officers and ex-officio members.
• Section 7-203. Substitute Voting Members: Allows substitutes for certain members.
• Section 7-204. Meetings: Held as needed with a 25% quorum.
• Section 7-205. Duties of the Committee: Manages operations, approves budgets, and appoints Arbitration Committee.

3. State Officers

• Section 7-301. The Chair: Leads state party, presides over meetings, and issues convention calls.
• Section 7-302. The Vice Chair: Assists Chair and acts in absence.
• Section 7-303. The National Committeeman and National Committeewoman: Represent NCGOP at RNC.
• Section 7-304. The Secretary and the Assistant Secretary: Keep records and minutes.
• Section 7-305. The Treasurer and the Assistant Treasurer: Manage state funds.
• Section 7-306. The General Counsel and Assistant General Counsel: Provide legal advice.
• Section 7-307. The Finance Chair: Oversees state fundraising.

4. Vacancies and Removals

• Section 7-401. Vacancies: Filled by Executive Committee or convention.
• Section 7-402. Removal: Per Section 9-301 et seq.

5. Other Committees

• Section 7-501. The Arbitration Committee: Resolves internal disputes.
• Section 7-502. The Personnel Committee: Manages staffing issues.
• Section 7-503. The Finance Committee: Oversees financial planning.
• Section 7-504. The Auditing Committee: Reviews financial records.
• Section 7-505. The Standing Committees and Convention Committees: Includes various committees for party functions.
• Section 7-506. The National Convention Selection Committee: Nominates national convention delegates.
• Section 7-507. The Plan of Organization Committee: Proposes Plan amendments.
• Section 7-508. The Platform Committee: Develops party platform.
• Section 7-509. The Resolutions Committee: Proposes resolutions.
• Section 7-510. The Credentials Committee: Verifies delegate eligibility.
• Section 7-511. The Rules Committee: Proposes convention rules.
• Section 7-512. Provisions Common to the Standing, Convention, and National Convention Selection Committees: Includes notice, residency, and meeting rules.

Article Eight - Conventions

1. County Conventions

• Section 8-101. Call of Convention: Held in March, called by County Chair by January 20.
• Section 8-102. Convention Officers and Committees: Includes appointed officers and committees for credentials, rules, resolutions, and plan of organization.
• Section 8-103. Elections: Elects officers, committee members, and state/district convention delegates.
• Section 8-104. Compliance: Requires record review and document submission.
• Section 8-105. Convention Fee: Reasonable fee to cover costs.

2. Congressional District Conventions

• Section 8-201. Call of Convention: Held in April, called by District Chair with 30 days’ notice.
• Section 8-202. Convention Officers and Committees: Similar to county conventions, with specific rules for national convention delegate elections.
• Section 8-203. Elections: Elects officers, At-Large members, national convention delegates, and presidential electors.
• Section 8-204. Compliance: Requires record review and certification of elected officials.
• Section 8-205. Convention Fee: Reasonable fee to cover costs.

3. The State Convention

• Section 8-301. Call of Convention: Held in May or early June, called by State Chair with 60 days’ notice.
• Section 8-302. Convention Officers and Committees: Includes appointed officers and committee reports.
• Section 8-303. Amendments to Committee Reports: Allows amendments with majority vote, subject to two-thirds approval for consideration.
• Section 8-304. Elections: Elects state officers, national committeepersons, and national convention delegates/electors.
• Section 8-305. Record of Proceedings: Reviewed and approved post-convention.
• Section 8-306. Convention Fee: Determined by Operating Committee.

4. National Convention Delegate Selection

• Section 8-401. Pledged Delegates: Bound by primary results for first two ballots.
• Section 8-402. Duties of the Committee: Adopts rules for delegate selection.
• Section 8-403. Administrative Matters: Includes delegate fees and vacancy procedures.

Article Nine - Provisions Applicable to More Than One Article

1. Officers and Committee Members

• Section 9-101. Term of Office: Begins at convention adjournment, ends at next odd-year convention.
• Section 9-102. Multiple Vice Chairs or Vice Presidents: Designates a primary Vice Chair.
• Section 9-103. Resolutions of Censure and Disapproval: Limited to committee members or specific officeholders with procedural safeguards.
• Section 9-104. Transfer of Party Property upon End of Term: Requires transfer of party assets.
• Section 9-105. Mandatory Training of Treasurers: Requires compliance training.
• Section 9-106. Financial Responsibilities and Prohibitions: Ensures accurate financial records and committee approval for expenditures.
• Section 9-107. Credentials Committee Members: Prohibits election candidacy or public support for candidates.
• Section 9-108. Vacancies: Filled by Vice Chair or committee election.
• Section 9-109. Removal: Appointees serve at pleasure; elected officials per Section 9-301.
• Section 9-110. Affiliated Republican Organization Members: Subject to Plan compliance.

2. Meetings, Conventions, and Voting Methods

• Section 9-201. Application: Applies to all conventions and committee meetings.
• Section 9-202. Attendance: Allows pre-registration but not mandatory attendance.
• Section 9-203. Certain Precinct and County Elections: Allows absent members to self-nominate.
• Section 9-204. Convention Rules: Apply only to the specific convention.
• Section 9-205. Voting Limitation: One vote per member regardless of roles.
• Section 9-206. Electronic Meetings: Permitted only in emergencies with full participation.
• Section 9-207. Postponed Meetings: Rescheduled with notification.
• Section 9-208. Action without a Meeting: Requires unanimous written consent.
• Section 9-209. Notice of Meetings: 10 days unless otherwise specified.
• Section 9-210. Proxy Voting: Prohibited.

3. Removal of Officers and Other Committee Members

• Section 9-301. In General: Removal per Sections 9-302 to 9-309, except precinct officers.
• Section 9-302. Automatic Removal: For party switch, voting rights revocation, or candidacy announcement (with exceptions).
• Section 9-303. Other Reasons for Removal: Gross inefficiency, non-compliance, or disloyalty.
• Section 9-304. Party Disloyalty Defined: Supporting non-Republican candidates against Republicans.
• Section 9-305. Commencement of Proceeding: Active Member files complaint with $100 fee.
• Section 9-306. Assignment of Matter: State Chair appoints impartial chairs or Executive Committee hears state-level cases.
• Section 9-307. Proceedings: Fair investigation with written judgment, no appeal.
• Section 9-308. Effect of Removal: Creates vacancy, ineligibility for three years.
• Section 9-309. Frivolous Complaint: May result in public reprimand.

4. Party Neutrality and Endorsements

• Section 9-401. Contested Primaries: Prohibits endorsements except for opportunistic or dishonorable candidates.
• Section 9-402. Censure or Resolution of Disapproval of an Announced Candidate Prohibited: Except for specific cases.
• Section 9-403. Prohibited Actions: Officers cannot publicly support primary candidates.
• Section 9-404. Permitted Actions: Private support and contributions allowed.
• Section 9-405. Nonpartisan Races: County committees may endorse with fair process.

5. Board of Elections Nominees

• Section 9-501. In General: State Chair submits nominees to State Board of Elections.
• Section 9-502. Procedure: County committees nominate, State Chair approves.

6. Notice

• Section 9-601. Method: Via mail, email, or actual notice.
• Section 9-602. Public Notice: On party website and other media.

Article Ten - Transition Rules

• Section 10-101. Effective Date: Upon convention adjournment.
• Section 10-102. At Large Committee Members: Prior elected members serve until next convention.
• Section 10-103. Removals: Governed by prior Plan if proceeding started earlier.
• Section 10-104. Disputes: Transferred to new Arbitration Committee.
• Section 10-105. Transition to a Consistent County Plan: Counties may adopt Model Plan or revise existing plans.

2025 State Plan of Organization Committee Members

• Daniel Barry, Chair, District 8, Union County
• Mike Phillips, Vice Chair, District 2, Wake County
• Ed Stiles, Secretary, District 1, Wilson County
• William Scholtes, Drafting Secretary, District 9, Moore County
• Bob Pruett, District 3, Carteret County
• Bob Castona, District 4, Orange County
• Benjamin Parnell, District 5, Rockingham County
• Robert Watkins, District 6, Forsyth County
• Fred Thomas (Trey) Martin, District 7, Brunswick County
• Michael Owens, District 10, Forsyth County
• Hunter Clark, District 11, McDowell County
• Tommy Fuller, District 12, Mecklenburg County
• Michael Magnanti, District 13, Granville County
• Rick Austin, District 14, Rutherford County
• Jerol Kivett, At Large, Sampson County
• Harvey West, At Large, Washington County
• Marshall Conrad, At Large, Johnston County