With Florida’s Aug. 18 primary election approaching, the Republican Party of Monroe County is ramping up voter outreach efforts and encouraging residents across the Keys to get informed and participate in the election process.
Chair of the Republican Party of Monroe County, Rhonda Rebman-Lopez, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about the elections.
Local Republicans are focused on maintaining Monroe County’s reputation as one of the state’s top-performing counties for voter turnout.
“We’re working really hard with the Republican Party in the county to get those votes out, get those vote-by-mail ballots in the mail, and make sure people vote,” Rebman-Lopez said.
Rebman-Lopez highlighted several upcoming opportunities for voters to meet candidates and learn more about local races before casting ballots.
Among them are two events at the Tennessee Williams Theatre, including a candidate meet-and-greet and forum focused on Key West races, as well as a separate debate event scheduled for the following evening.
The events are intended to give voters a chance to hear directly from candidates and better understand where they stand on the issues.
“There are plenty of opportunities to meet the candidates, get to know them and remain informed as we move toward the primary date,” Rebman-Lopez said.
A recent meet-and-greet hosted by the Upper Keys Republican Club in Key Largo brought together voters and Republican candidates from across Monroe County.
The Middle Keys Republican Club is also planning an upcoming event featuring two candidates in Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race, Bobby Williams and Paul Renner, according to Rebman-Lopez.
That event is scheduled for July 1 at American Legion Post 154 in Marathon and will give attendees an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about their priorities for the state.
A recent Republican Party fundraiser held in Monroe County featured James Uthmeier.
Rebman-Lopez said the event drew a sold-out crowd and raised funds to support Republican candidates and voter turnout efforts throughout the county.
The gathering also served as a celebration of Flag Day, President Donald Trump’s birthday and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
“It was a great event and all the proceeds will go to helping get out the vote for Republican candidates and supporting those candidates mainly in Monroe County,” Rebman-Lopez said.
The annual Reagan Dinner is planned for later in the year, once more seasonal residents return to the Keys.
Rebman-Lopez said the Monroe County Republican Party plans to continue distributing information about endorsed candidates and helping residents navigate the voting process ahead of both the August primary and the Nov. 3 general election.
She encouraged voters with questions about registration, polling places or vote-by-mail ballots to contact the party or visit the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections website for official election information.
“We just want to make sure people have the information they need and get out to vote,” she said.
The Republican Party of Monroe County can be found online here: www.keysgop.com