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Saturday’s Chairman’s Breakfast: Chair Horvath Delivers a Unity Message and Refocuses the Republican Party
- Logan Foster
- Mar 15
- 4 min read
Saturday’s Chairman’s Breakfast: Chair Horvath Delivers a Unity Message and Refocuses the Republican Party Date: 03/15/25
Author: Logan Foster
On Saturday, March 15th, 130 local Republicans gathered for the St. Joseph County Republican Party’s Chairman’s Breakfast, marking the first major event since the election of new party officers on March 1st, 2025. The elections ushered in Jackie Horvath as Chair, Jamie O’Brien as Vice Chair, Alexa Johnson as Secretary, and Alta Neri as Treasurer.
Chair Jackie Horvath delivered a resolute and unifying message to attendees during her address. Her emphasis on party solidarity and forward-thinking strategy set an optimistic tone for the future of the St Joseph County Republican Party.
“We are the Party of Lincoln, Reagan, and Trump," Horvath declared, emphasizing the Republican Party's long-standing values. “Today, I would like to celebrate what unites us as conservatives rather than the divisions that too often get the spotlight.”
Horvath did not shy away from addressing the party's internal challenges, even quoting a poignant text message the late Zach Potts had sent her in 2022 that emphasized collaboration over conflict. Potts wrote, “This is the moment for St. Joe County, and I think everyone is working toward the same goal. No infighting, which is quite the difficult task.” Horvath’s reference to this text should serve as a reminder for party members to focus on their shared goals rather than internal disagreements.
Strategic Vision for 2025 and Beyond
Chair Horvath underlined the importance of preparing for long-term success. While celebrating current achievements—including holding 13 out of 23 county offices—she expressed determination to widen the Republican majority in upcoming elections, particularly in 2026. Offices such as Sheriff, Prosecutor, and Auditor are key targets for Republicans, along with retaining control of the County Council and the Board of Commissioners.
Horvath dubbed 2025 a “year to build,” unveiling plans to increase organizational effectiveness through the creation of four new committees/initiatives:
Data Analytics Election Committee - Led by Mark Rolfes, this committee will use precinct data to guide the party’s strategy and support candidates.
Outreach Committee - Tasked with engaging previously underrepresented Republican voters.
Volunteer Committee - Focused on formalizing efforts by volunteers who have supported campaigns through door-knocking and phone banking.
Communication Team - Responsible for refining the party’s messaging and ensuring it resonates with constituents.
Through these committees/initiatives, Horvath aims to energize party members and bolster local efforts ahead of the 2026 elections.
A Call to Realign the Narrative
Acknowledging the harm caused by public perception of internal disputes, Horvath expressed disappointment stating “it seems that all the public hears about are our divisions, rather than the ideals that unify us.” Horvath shared that she received multiple calls urging her to address this issue and shift the focus to Republican achievements and values.
“We should not stand by and lose what we have gained,” Horvath asserted, referring to the party’s historic transformation in St. Joseph County, previously a Democratic stronghold. She appealed to attendees to channel their energy toward defeating Democrats and their “anti-American ideas” rather than internal disagreements, citing key conservative ideals as the party’s guiding principles.
“Republican ideals—which we all share—far surpass the Democrats’ dangerous woke goals of allowing abortion through the 9th month, denying school choice for our children, and forcing diversity no matter the cost to our institutions.” Horvath said pointedly, rallying party members to refocus on common goals.
A Message of Unity and Progress
Horvath concluded her speech by celebrating the party’s achievements and calling for renewed commitment to collaboration, saying, “I am proud of this party, our successes, and the movement we have built together. Therefore, I am calling on you today to turn away from division and join me in focusing on the real enemy.”
Her decisive and forward-looking speech resonated with attendees, providing a sense of direction and purpose while emphasizing the importance of working together to achieve collective goals.
Congressman Rudy Yakym's Keynote Address
Congressman Rudy Yakym delivered the keynote address following remarks from Chair Jackie Horvath. During his speech, Yakym shared his firsthand account of attending President Trump's recent joint address to Congress. He conveyed his frustration, a sentiment echoed by many in attendance, over instances when members of the Democratic Party refrained from standing or applauding bipartisan and unifying messages.
Yakym highlighted several examples to illustrate his point. He noted that Congressional Democrats chose not to stand or clap when a young child (DJ Daniel) battling cancer was recognized as an honorary Secret Service agent. Similarly, democrats refrained from expressing support when President Trump honored the family of Laken Riley, associated with the Laken Riley Act. The Congressman also mentioned the lack of response when President Trump paid tribute to Payton McNabb, a young female athlete who sustained injuries during a volleyball match against a transgender (male) athlete.
In his address, Yakym emphasized the importance of party unity and credited Republican cohesion for compelling Senator Chuck Schumer and 9 other democrats to vote on the most recent spending bill, thereby averting a recent government shutdown.
Closing Thoughts
The Chairman’s Breakfast not only marked the start of a new chapter for the St. Joseph County Republican Party but also highlighted Horvath’s vision for a unified and action-oriented future. With plans to strengthen organizational efforts, broaden voter outreach, and maintain party cohesion, Horvath’s leadership sets a strong foundation for continued Republican success in the county.
