Clay County GOP Announces Monthly Meeting, State Chairman Visit

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Clay County Republican Party plans to host its regular monthly meeting next week, with a guest speaker from the local sheriff's office auxiliary, organizers announced Wednesday.

The event is set for Thursday, Oct. 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the second-floor meeting room of the Clay County Community Center, 25 Riverside Drive. Light refreshments, snacks and desserts will be available starting at 6:30 p.m., and the business portion of the meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring a covered dish snack or dessert to share.

Guest speaker Phil Cantley, a Clay County resident and active member of the Clay County Sheriff's Office Auxiliary, will share details on the group's activities and projects. The auxiliary includes volunteers who have completed the sheriff's office Citizens Academy. These volunteers support the office's mission by handling tasks like courthouse front-door security, directing traffic at major events and participating in community outreach programs.

In other party news, North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Jason Simmons will visit Clay County for a catered luncheon on Monday, Nov. 10, at 1 p.m. at West Tubing Company, 6175 Old Highway 64 West in Warne.

The event forms part of the state GOP's "Red State Tour," focused on registering new voters, connecting with conservative communities and mobilizing volunteers for the 2026 elections, according to Matt Mercer, the party's communications director. Simmons' itinerary includes stops with other GOP groups in western North Carolina.

Organizers encouraged supporters to save the date and attend to discover opportunities to support GOP initiatives ahead of next year's elections. Additional information will be released soon.

The Clay County GOP also listed several upcoming events, including involvement in the "Trick or Treat on the Square" downtown Hayesville event on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. No regular monthly meeting is planned for November because of its timing near Thanksgiving.

The party's annual Christmas banquet is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. at EPIC Restaurant. Tickets are on sale now for $30 per person, with more details to come.