Chad Simmons has been selected to serve as the new chair of the Botetourt County Republican Committee.
In a drive-thru mass meeting last Monday, Simmons received 54.21% or 161 votes. His challenger, Greg Rieley, received 45.79% or 136 votes.
In a letter to committee members prior to the election, Simmons, who resides on the border of Fincastle, “I am running for the position of committee chair because I want to continue to grow the Republican base and committee membership here in our home, Botetourt County. I believe the best way to do that is by engaging with Botetourt citizens in a constructive and positive manner. I intend to place a priority on advertising our scheduled meetings to increase attendance and input.”
A graduate of Botetourt County Public Schools and the Virginia Military Institute, Simmons currently serves as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in the Botetourt County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office. He previously held the same position in the City of Roanoke and prior to that worked at Gala Industries in Eagle Rock.
“I believe that any business, group, committee or party that wants to be successful has to be united in their cause and purpose. I understand and appreciate that while we are all Republicans we might hold different opinions on various issues. That’s okay. Because when it comes down to it, we all want to have Republicans representing us in Washington, Richmond, on the Board of Supervisors and in the various constitutional offices,” he said to committee members before the vote. “We need to keep Botetourt County a Republican stronghold and continue to grow the party. I believe we are best equipped to do that by staying united as a party and a committee. I believe I am the right person to lead the Committee due to my passion for the Republican Party and my work ethic. I will strive to keep Botetourt red and to make sure Botetourt County continues to produce, support and elect great Republican representative into office.”
