A Brief History of the Republican Party of Chesapeake  

Shortly after the city’s incorporation in 1963, it became obvious that political competition would be necessary in the city of Chesapeake. Long a Democrat stronghold, the South was beginning to “realign”. This realignment began in the mid-40’s, but really picked up steam in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Because of such factors as northern migration, military presence, increased urbanization, political disillusionment, and others, the south began to look outside of its cultural heritage of voting Democrat. No longer would the “Solid South” be solid. Thus, in 1971, merely eight years after the city’s charter, the Republican Party of Chesapeake was established. And, shortly thereafter, in 1973, Robert Daniel, became the City of Chesapeake's first Republican Congressman! (note: The last Republican elected before incorporation was in 1929.)

Politically, the strength of the Republican Party began to steadily grow in the mid-80’s with the election of Mark Earley and Fred Quayle to the State Senate and J. Randy Forbes to the House of Delegates. Since those elections, the City of Chesapeake, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, has politcially realigned. The GOP, once but a nuisance, is now the dominant party in state government.

Chesapeake is proud to be represented in Congress by Republican Senator John Warner and Congressman J. Randy Forbes.  Representing three of the five Virginia Delegate districts in Chesapeake are Delegates Terrie Suit, John Cosgrove and Chris Jones.  Representing two of the three Virginia Senate districts are Senators Fred Quayle and Harry Blevins. Members of the Republican City Committee  occupy four of nine seats on City Council; six of the nine seats on the School Board are endorsed by the RPC; and four of five Constitutional Officers are Republican. Truly, conservative principles and hard work are making for good government and prosperity in the City of Chesapeake.

Since 1971, the following have been proud to serve as Chairmen of the Republican Party of Chesapeake:

Jimmy Regan
Paul Nelson
Bert Bobbitt
Frank Driscoll
Gene Kirby
Irene Hurst
Larry Willis
John Cosgrove
Carole de Triquet
Stephen Rodriguez

and Del Quesinberry