Mitch Kokai, spokesperson for the John Locke Foundation, joined Jeff Hamlin to analyze the re-election of Jason Simmons as Chair of the North Carolina Republican Party. Simmons, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, secured 53% of the vote against challenger Brooke McGowan at the GOP convention in Greensboro, where roughly 1,600 delegates cast ballots.

Kokai explained that Simmons' victory reflects the party's continued alignment with Trump and a desire for consistency in leadership as the GOP prepares for key 2026 and 2028 races. However, he noted that despite recent Republican strength in the General Assembly, the party faces a critical test following losses in the 2024 elections, where Democrats won the governor’s office, lieutenant governor’s race, and flipped control of the State Supreme Court.

Kokai emphasized that Simmons' ...