From the Chair

The Republican Crossroads: Unity or Division?

The Republican Party is at a crossroads. It is composed of multiple factions, each bringing a different perspective to conservatism. The MAGA movement, led by Donald Trump, has redefined the party with a populist approach. The former Tea Party Republicans remain staunchly conservative, advocating for limited government and fiscal responsibility. Traditional Republicans—sometimes labeled "establishment"—seek pragmatic governance while holding to foundational conservative values. With such diversity within the party, the path forward is uncertain. Yet, one thing is clear: if we fail to recognize our shared values and work toward common goals, we will struggle to build a movement strong enough to lead America into the future.

The term "RINO" (Republican in Name Only) was originally intended to describe politicians who run under the Republican banner but fail to uphold the party’s core principles. However, in recent years, it has been misused as a political weapon, often hurled at anyone who does not align perfectly with a particular ideological faction. This divisive rhetoric weakens the conservative movement, fostering internal strife instead of unity. If Republicans continue to turn on each other over minor policy differences, we will never build the broad, resilient coalition necessary for long-term success.

The Republican Party has long been rooted in timeless principles that unite conservatives of all stripes. The Virginia Republican Creed serves as a guiding light, outlining the core values that should define our movement:

We Believe:

• That the free enterprise system is the most productive supplier of human needs and economic justice.
• That all individuals are entitled to equal rights, justice, and opportunities and should assume their responsibilities as citizens in a free society.
• That fiscal responsibility and budgetary restraints must be exercised at all levels of government.
• That the Federal Government must preserve individual liberty by observing Constitutional limitations.
• That peace is best preserved through a strong national defense.
• That faith in God, as recognized by our Founding Fathers, is essential to the moral fiber of the Nation.

These principles are not meant to serve as a purity test but as a unifying foundation. However, many within the party have taken to using the term "RINO" as a bludgeon against those who differ on policy strategy or legislative approach. This internal fighting does not strengthen our movement—it weakens it, allowing the real threats to conservative values to gain ground.

In contrast, the Democratic Party operates differently. Individual opinions are often secondary to the party’s overarching agenda. Once elected, Democrats tend to vote in near-perfect alignment with their leadership, effectively assimilating into a collective mindset—much like the Borg. This enforced unity allows them to advance their goals with ruthless efficiency. Meanwhile, Republicans, despite sharing fundamental beliefs, often find themselves divided over minor ideological disagreements rather than rallying around their shared vision for America.

Conservatives win when we focus on common ground rather than purity tests. Ronald Reagan’s famous "Eleventh Commandment"—"Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican"—was not about blind loyalty but about recognizing the importance of unity in the face of opposition. Healthy debate is essential, but it must be framed with respect and a shared commitment to our core values. A strong and diverse conservative coalition is necessary for long-term success.

The real threats to our nation are not found in minor policy disagreements within our party but in the unchecked expansion of big government, reckless spending, and the erosion of constitutional liberties. Instead of turning on one another, conservatives should work together to champion the principles laid out in the Virginia Republican Creed. Only by focusing on what unites us can we ensure that our movement remains strong, principled, and effective.

If we truly want to lead America forward, we must move beyond the misuse of the term "RINO" and refocus on our shared vision. Strength does not come from internal division—it comes from standing together for the values that define us.