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Press Release: Chairman Matt Moore will not seek third term

Columbia, S.C. – Earlier this morning, S.C. Republican Party Chairman Matt Moore announced that he would not seek a third term as state chairman. His current term ends at this year’s State Convention on May 13. Moore was originally elected in June 2013 and was re-elected by the SCGOP State Convention in May 2015 with 83% of votes.

It has been the honor of my life to serve as state chairman. I still wake up every day feeling humbled and blessed to serve in such an important leadership role,” said Chairman Moore. “I’m still excited about the future of the SCGOP. Yet with so many changes in state and national politics, I feel like now is the right time to hand over the office of state chairman to someone new. No one ‘owns’ any political office, including state chairman, and it should remain that way.”

Moore plans to serve out the rest of his term until May 13. A copy of Moore’s letter to South Carolina Republicans can be seen below:


Dear Fellow Republicans,

Earlier this morning I told our State Executive Committee that I will not seek a third term as state chairman at the May 13 State Convention.

It has been the honor of my life to serve as your state chairman. I still wake up every day feeling humbled and blessed to serve in such an important leadership role. Thank you for your support to make it possible!

I began serving at the state party in May 2011 as executive director. Since then, we’ve made great progress in a number of areas. The SCGOP has set the standard for communications, ground game, and technology and helped elect some of the nation’s top conservatives. I’m biased, but I think our state party is among the best in America!

I’m still excited about the future of the SCGOP. A new generation of South Carolina Republican leaders has emerged- one that looks forward, not backwards, and works in the interest of our citizens and not just political insiders. My efforts in that battle will continue.

Yet with so many changes in state and national politics, I feel like now is the right time to hand over the office of state chairman to someone new. No one “owns” any political office, including state chairman, and it should remain that way.

I trust that you’ll make a wise choice in your next chairman. The job of chairman isn’t always easy or fun. I have tried every day to lead with honesty and integrity, even when it put me at odds with friends or members of my own party. My commitment to this office and party runs deep. I’ll never apologize for doing the right thing, and you should expect the same of your next chairman.

This is not goodbye – I plan to faithfully serve out the rest of my term until May 13 and help make our State Convention and 50th Annual Silver Elephant Dinner huge successes. Following, I will remain committed to serving the SCGOP in any way possible.

Again, thank you for your support over these last four years. A great team effort made our success possible. We could not have done it without your commitment of time, talent, and resources.

I also want to thank my wonderful wife Meg and our family for their support. I hope to see you soon!

Dum spiro spero,
Matt Moore
SCGOP Chairman


HIGHLIGHTS OF MATT MOORE’s TWO TERMS

  • Most successful four-year period, in terms of election victories, in modern SCGOP history
  • Won all 13 statewide races in four years, a new high for SCGOP chairs
  • Helped elect the most S.C. State House Republicans (80) since 1874
  • Gained S.C. House seats in Newberry and Chesterfield Counties
  • Raised over $4 million in two election cycles
  • Creatively paid off $340,000 debt incurred during 2012 “ballot-gate” fiasco, leaving SCGOP “debt free”
  • 4 million+ voter contacts in 2014/2016 election cycles
  • 6 million+ social media impressions for SCGOP and its candidates
  • 750+ mentions and quotes in major news outlets including The Washington Post, The NY Times, Wall Street Journal, etc.
  • 30+ appearances on Fox News, CNN, MSNBC and Bloomberg promoting South Carolina, the presidential primary, and SCGOP candidates
  • Record turnout of 740,881 in the 2016 S.C. Republican Presidential Primary

WHAT REPUBLICAN LEADERS ARE SAYING

“Under Matt Moore’s leadership, the S.C. Republican Party was an important partner in our winning two statewide elections. Matt’s skill, knowledge, and dedication to the job are unmatched. His leadership will definitely be missed.”
– U.S. Senator Tim Scott


“Matt Moore has established himself as one of the state’s best party chairs in history. My team has enjoyed working with him. Matt represents the future of the Republican Party and I hope he’ll continue to lead when called upon.”
– U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham


“I’ve enjoyed working with Matt over the last decade to promote conservative principles and candidates. South Carolina is benefiting tremendously from the new generation of leaders he has helped to elect. I consider him a friend and will sorely miss him and his professional accomplishment in this role.”
– Fmr. Governor and U.S. Congressman Mark Sanford


“Matt Moore has been a powerful voice for a rising generation of conservative leadership in South Carolina. A tireless worker and proven winner, Matt has been an awesome chairman and a tremendous ambassador for the Palmetto State on the national stage. I will miss Matt’s leadership at the SCGOP, but I am confident South Carolina Republicans will continue the push to create opportunities for all South Carolinians to succeed.”
– S.C. Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey (Edgefield County)


“Matt has been a superstar Chairman. Under his leadership, the Republican Party has helped elect and defend candidates who are on the right side of issues and have the best interests of the voters and South Carolina. He was never afraid to take a stand and we will miss his leadership.”
– State Senator Katrina Shealy (Lexington County)


“South Carolina House Republicans have built their largest majority since the 1800s, and we could not have done so without the consistent support from Chairman Matt Moore. From candidate recruitment efforts to fundraising and targeted approaches, Matt Moore’s leadership at the SCGOP has been a vital part of our successes at the ballot box. There’s never been a Chairman who worked so closely with our members, and for that, we greatly appreciate Matt and wish him and his family the very best.”
– S.C. House Majority Leader Gary Simrill (York County)


“Matt has run the most inclusive and transparent administration in the state party’s history. He has continued to lay a strong foundation and kept the state party running smoothly. Whoever replaces Matt will have big shoes to fill.”
– Cindy Costa, Republican National Committeewoman (Charleston County)


“Matt’s work with the SCGOP has brought our party into the 21st century. Our state party is light years ahead of other state parties and that is due to Matt’s communication skills, use of technology, and data strategy. It has been great serving the State Republican Party and on the National Republican Committee with Matt.”
– Glenn McCall, Republican National Committeeman (York County)


“Under Matt’s leadership as Chairman, the SCGOP helped to make a tremendous difference in my past two elections with their grassroots plan and voter outreach.”
– State Rep. Kirkman Finlay (Richland County)