By Adam Pagnucco.
In a blast email sent yesterday, Montgomery County Republican Chairman Dennis Melby did not hide from the party’s terrible election night. Proclaiming in all caps “THAT SMARTS,” Melby defended his party’s candidates and described the work their volunteers did on their behalf. But he conceded, “I won’t sugarcoat it – no Montgomery County Republican candidate was elected – our representation will be totally Democrat for 4 more years.”
To explain why the party did so poorly, Melby offered, “Most pundits and ‘experts’ think it was totally an anti-Trump exercise that trickled down to the local level.” Let’s also recall that the MoCo GOP’s performance has been declining for decades. I get that local Republicans can’t control what their national leaders do, but until the national GOP regains some semblance of sanity, it’s hard to imagine a MoCo Republican winning anywhere in our county.
That said, the MoCo GOP can still put forward ballot questions. And if MoCo’s leaders push through another tax hike next spring, that will provide valuable fuel to any potential attempt to resurrect Reardon “Sully” Sullivan’s Stop the Spend charter amendment.
Melby’s email, along with graphics, is printed below.
*****
THAT SMARTS
Dear Adam —
Well, we took it on the chin last week. Republicans went down all across the County, the State and the Country.
I won’t sugarcoat it – no Montgomery County Republican candidate was elected – our representation will be totally Democrat for 4 more years.
We pulled out all the stops. We had some super people running. The best in a long time! Fresh faces, new ideas, hard workers, great vision and leadership. They gave it their all.
You know, to support them we spent thousands in mailings and outreach to get out the vote, participated in parades and events, held great and well attended meetings with multiple candidates, and welcomed many new volunteers. Our Party and our Clubs sent texts, did Ads, knocked doors, put up signs…replaced stolen signs, and produced social media. We staffed polling places, produced and handed out tens of thousands of Voter Guides, answered questions and took the nasty comments with restraint and humor. It wasn’t enough.
So we’ll take some time to lick our wounds and recommit to better outreach. Most pundits and “experts” think it was totally an anti-Trump exercise that trickled down to the local level.
Either way, we promise you we’ll continue to inform, educate and participate in our community. We’ve got a lot to offer and we’ve only begun our comeback journey.
Dennis Melby
2026 Republican Chairman
Montgomery County, Maryland