Tampa Bay Young Republicans: ‘We are not your grandfather’s GOP’

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (FLV) – Although 2023 is not an election year, the Tampa Bay Young Republicans are not slowing down.

TBYRs want to build off the new momentum from the election season, where Florida saw a dramatic red wave. Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican Party of Florida successfully flipped traditionally Democrat-heavy or Democrat-leaning counties across the Sunshine State, including Hillsborough County.

“We need to keep our presence, especially in Hillsborough County, because we can see how it swings from blue to red. And this is the time for us to really build our membership and to grow as an organization,” Brittany Lakhani, president of the Tampa Bay Young Republicans, told Florida’s Voice.

On Feb. 1, the new 2023 Board was selected, with Lakhani being reelected as president. Lakhani is graduating from Stetson University College of Law in May and works for the Leadership Institute in their new school board programs.

Despite being a non-election year, she said they will be ready for when campaign season comes and members will be educated on who is running, what the processes is, and they are able to make the decision as to who they’d like to support.

The TBYRs develop and maintain an active countywide Young Republican organization and support the principles and objectives of the Republican Party. Last year, the state organization was vacated and now the organization is called the Florida Young Republicans, instead of Florida Federation of Young Republicans.

Jake Hoffman was also reelected as Executive Director. He is the Florida State Committeeman for the National Young Republicans.

“A lot of great ideas come from the Tampa Bay Young Republicans and then they turn into online petitions or social media campaigns that get seen and picked up by our state legislature and even our Governor,” Hoffman said.

“We’re getting a lot of things done in that capacity – a lot of ideas do come out of the organization and are effective,” he said.

Also newly elected to the board include Gunner Mitchell as vice president, Devon Langston as treasurer, and Seijah Drake as secretary.

Lakhani said one goal is to bring together young Republicans from across Florida to do more statewide work to advocate for constitutional carry, the new school choice bill, and election integrity issues.

Florida House Speaker Paul Renner recently announced a permitless carry proposal, a concept supported by DeSantis. Also known as “constitutional carry,” the proposal would allow Floridians to conceal carry a firearm without a permit.

As they work to advocate for these issues, they will also train members how to door-knock, phone calls, and other campaign related tasks.

“Once campaign season gets here, it’s a lot easier and a lot smoother and quicker if people are already trained,” she explained.

“Our catchphrase, is that we are not your grandfather’s GOP. And we really, really, really want the young members of Hillsborough County and the surrounding counties to know that politics does not have to be stuffy, it does not have to be boring. It can be fun.”

Whether attendees arrive in jeans and cowboy boots or workout clothes, she said all are welcomed to the meetings.

“We are here to make politics fun and accessible for everybody!” Lakhani said.

Tampa Bay Young Republicans are accepting new members and monthly meetings are open to the public. Click here for more information on the organization and follow them on Twitter here.