WHO WE ARE
Republicans throughout the District of Columbia come from all walks of life, unified by shared values and commitment to protecting individual rights.
The DC GOP is committed to growing our party, advocating common sense, conservative principles, working to elect Republicans at every level of government, and putting the District on the right track.
Our History
The DC GOP, with its unique bylaws that emphasized the need for a unified Republican Party, played a pivotal role in the formation of the Republican Party nationwide.
In January 1856, the Association published, on behalf of five state chairmen, the call for a convention where the GOP formed a national organization. It also sent several delegates to the Republican National Convention that year. After Abraham Lincoln was elected to the presidency, the Association reconstructed itself as the Republican Party of the District of Columbia.
The DC GOP’s central committee in its early years was lead by several influential figures, including civil rights hero Frederick Douglass, mayor Alexander ‘Boss’ Shepherd, and Medal of Honor recipient Christian Fleetwood. This diverse and esteemed committee, appreciating the District’s diversity and economic and cultural assets, laid the foundation for the DC GOP’s mission today-to promote opportunity, security, and liberty for all our residents. As ever, Republicans are the Party of Emancipation.
Our Platform
The Republican Party of the District of Columbia (DC GOP), the nation’s only urban Republican Party, is dedicated to building the economy in America’s Capital City, making our city safe, fighting discrimination, protecting individual rights, and improving life for DC citizens. Our history of support for limited government, civil rights, women’s suffrage, free markets, and the rule of law gives us the courage to lead. As the great Frederick Douglass said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Douglass was a member of the DC Republican Party from 1870 until his death in 1895.
The DC GOP is the Party of Opportunity.
We believe in opportunities to improve our economy, safety, freedom, education, healthcare, housing, and civic environment and strive to create these for all who live, work, and visit Washington, DC. Our Platform outlines the ways we will create opportunity for all.