A Legacy of Leadership

Tracing our roots from early 20th century beginnings to a dynamic force shaping Shelby County’s future.

A SHORT HISTORY OF OUR PARTY

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln became the first Republican elected President of the United States. Now, 165 years later, in 2025, the Republican Party of Shelby County continues the work begun by generations before us—steadfastly advancing the cause of good government. It is only fitting that we honor those past servants of our Party.

The Republican Party of Shelby County traces its formal beginnings to Robert Church, Jr., the son of Memphis businessman and philanthropist Robert Church, Sr., who is credited with founding the local party in the early 20th century. Building on his father’s legacy of civic engagement and economic independence, Church, Jr. established the Lincoln League in 1916 with the express purpose of registering and mobilizing Black voters at a time when systemic barriers—poll taxes, literacy tests, and intimidation—had disenfranchised most African Americans in the South.

Through the Lincoln League, Church organized voter education drives, covered poll tax costs for registrants, and created political awareness meetings that encouraged active participation in Republican politics. His leadership helped solidify Shelby County’s African American community as a significant and organized voting bloc, influencing not just local elections but also Republican Party affairs on a state and national scale.

Church, Jr. served as Republican National Committeeman from Tennessee, giving him a voice in national party decisions and platform shaping. He worked closely with national Republican leaders, advocating for civil rights protections and economic opportunity programs for African Americans. Under his guidance, the Shelby County Republican organization became a rare example in the Jim Crow South where African-American political engagement was both visible and effective.

During Robert Church, Jr.’s leadership, Republican politics in Memphis operated within a unique coalition that included both Black and white party members. The Lincoln League became the driving force for registering voters, paying poll taxes for those who could not afford them, and teaching the mechanics of voting. Through these efforts, thousands of African Americans were added to the voter rolls, making Shelby County one of the few places in the South at the time where Black political participation remained both organized and influential. Church worked closely with white Republican leaders who valued the League’s ability to strengthen the party’s base. Together, they maintained a biracial structure in local GOP affairs—uncommon in much of the South during the era.

While there were occasional disagreements within the party over leadership and priorities, Memphis’s Republican organization in the 1910s and 1920s stood out for its ability to unite people across racial lines toward shared political goals. This cooperative approach gave the Shelby County Republican Party an enduring foundation that continued long after Church’s time.

Lt. George W. Lee rose through the ranks after World War I, leading the Lincoln League and serving as a delegate to nearly every Republican National Convention from 1920 to 1960.

In 1954, a moment of unity occurred when the “old” faction led by Lt. Lee and the “new” group led by Millsaps Fitzhugh and Walker Wellford, Sr.  came together to elect Walker Wellford, Jr. as Chairman and Dr. R. Q. Venson—founder of the Cottonmaker’s Jubilee—as Co-Chairman.

Bob James (1962-1964)  Assuming leadership of the Shelby County Republican Party in the early 1960s, he worked to expand the GOP’s presence during a period of Democratic dominance in the South. He ran for Congress in both 1962 and 1964, helping raise the party’s profile and build campaign infrastructure that would benefit future candidates.

James went on to serve two decades on the Memphis City Council from 1967 to 1987, earning a reputation for steady leadership and a deep commitment to his constituents. His long tenure reflected both his political skill and his dedication to public service, leaving a lasting mark on the city’s governance.

Governor Winfield Dunn (1963–1967)—As County Chair, Dunn strengthened Republican grassroots operations in a historically Democratic state. In 1970, he became the first Republican elected Governor of Tennessee in fifty years, serving from 1971 to 1975. His tenure was marked by infrastructure improvements, educational investments, and economic development initiatives that helped modernize the state. Dunn remained a respected elder statesman in Tennessee politics for decades after leaving office.

Judge Harry W. Wellford As Chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party, he guided the organization during a period of national political change, focusing on strengthening its structure and expanding its influence locally. His leadership helped position the party for greater competitiveness in subsequent elections.

In 1970, he was appointed by President Richard Nixon as a U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee, later elevated by President Ronald Reagan in 1982 to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Wellford’s judicial career was marked by decades of service, a reputation for fairness, and significant contributions to federal jurisprudence.

Alex Dann (1969-1971) As Chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party, he led during a period of notable Republican successes both in Congress and statewide offices, capitalizing on growing momentum for the GOP in Tennessee. His tenure emphasized strategic campaigning, effective candidate support, and voter outreach that contributed to these victories.

Dann’s leadership helped strengthen the party’s infrastructure and fostered a spirit of unity among local Republicans, ensuring the organization was well-positioned to maintain its gains in the years that followed.

Dr. Kyle Creson (1971-1973)  As Chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party, he presided over a period of historic Republican success in Tennessee, marked by the capture of the governorship, multiple U.S. Senate seats, and several Congressional victories. His leadership capitalized on national trends favoring the GOP, bolstering local organization and energizing the base.

Creson’s tenure helped solidify the party’s standing across the state, but it also preceded the challenges brought by the Watergate era. His ability to steer the local party during a time of both triumph and impending turbulence reflected his skill in organization, strategy, and coalition-building.

Bill Lawson  chaired from 1973 to 1975 during a time of political turbulence.

Governor Don Sundquist  (1975–1977)—While leading the County Party, Sundquist established the annual Lincoln Day dinners and relocated headquarters to East Memphis, solidifying organizational growth. Elected Governor in 1994 after serving six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, he served two terms (1995–2003). Sundquist’s administration focused on transportation expansion, job recruitment, and government modernization, leaving a lasting mark on the state’s economic and civic landscape.

William H. (Bill) Watkins, Jr. (1977-1979) As Chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party, he played a pivotal role in expanding the party’s base, actively welcoming new members and strengthening precinct-level organization. His leadership contributed to Republican gains in state and local elections and set the stage for continued growth.

Beyond politics, Watkins co-founded the accounting firm Watkins and Watkins in 1971, which later became Watkins Uiberall, PLLC. He built a distinguished career in public accounting and gave back to the community through service on numerous boards, including leadership roles in arts, education, and civic organizations.

Tom Pyron  (1979- 1981)   As Chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party, he placed a strong emphasis on building and maintaining effective precinct organization, recognizing it as the backbone of electoral success. Under his leadership, grassroots networks were strengthened, volunteer engagement increased, and local campaign operations became more coordinated and efficient, helping position the party for future victories.

Maida Pearson Smith  (1981-1985) As the first female Chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party, she broke new ground and helped redefine the role during a time that demanded fresh energy and outreach. Her leadership revitalized fundraising and precinct organization, laying the groundwork for expanded grassroots engagement and better party infrastructure.

Smith’s groundbreaking tenure brought renewed optimism and momentum, especially for female leadership within the party. Her efforts energized volunteers and donors alike and set a new standard for inclusivity and operational efficiency, creating a legacy that helped inform future growth and unity.

Jack J. Craddock (1985-1987) Chaired the Shelby County Republican Party during a time of intense national scrutiny, as the Iran–Contra hearings unfolded, and President Reagan began his second term. He played a stabilizing role, keeping the local party organized and engaged amid larger political turbulence. Craddock’s steady leadership helped guide the party through uncertainty and affirmed its commitment to strong governance and responsiveness during a consequential era.

John L. Ryder  (1987 -1991) As Chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party, Ryder strengthened the party’s organization, fostered unity, and guided its continued growth. He later served multiple terms as Tennessee’s Republican National Committeeman and became a leading figure in national GOP strategy, including overseeing redistricting efforts that secured significant electoral gains.

A highly respected Memphis attorney, Ryder specialized in commercial, bankruptcy, and election law, served as general counsel to the Republican National Committee, and chaired the Republican National Lawyers Association. His public service included appointment to the Tennessee Valley Authority board, where he later served as chairman, and he was also active as an educator and mentor in election law. He passed away in 2020, leaving a legacy of leadership, integrity, and service to his party and community.

Dr. Phil Langsdon  (1991–1995)—After leading the Shelby County Republican Party, he built a distinguished career in medicine as a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and educator. By 2018, he was elected President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the world’s largest organization in his specialty, where he oversaw international educational programs and advanced surgical standards.

He serves as Chief of the Division of Facial Plastic Surgery and a tenured professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, directing fellowship training and mentoring future surgeons. In private practice, Dr. Langsdon is recognized for his expertise in rhinoplasty, facelift, and facial rejuvenation, with more than 40 publications and hundreds of lectures delivered worldwide.

David Kustoff  (1995–1999)—Chaired the Shelby County Republican Party before moving into significant public service and political roles. A Memphis native, he graduated from White Station High School, earned a BBA from the University of Memphis, and later received his law degree from the University of Memphis School of Law. In 1998, he co-founded a Memphis law firm with future Mayor Jim Strickland. Kustoff served as Tennessee chair for Lamar Alexander’s 2002 Senate campaign and for the Bush–Cheney presidential campaigns in 2000 and 2004. Appointed U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee in 2006, he led major prosecutions, including Operation Tennessee Waltz, and was active in initiatives targeting violent crime and public corruption. He later served on the board of Bank Tennessee and on the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, helping oversee programs like Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect. Elected to the U.S. House in 2016, he represents Tennessee’s 8th Congressional District and has been reelected multiple times. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means and remains an influential voice on issues ranging from economic policy to national security.

Alan Crone (1999–2003)—A lifelong Memphian, he is the founder of The Crone Law Firm, where he built a respected legal practice focusing on employment law, business disputes, and public-interest cases. Over the years, he has represented prominent civic leaders, elected officials, and business executives in high-profile matters. Known for his deep involvement in civic affairs, Crone has served on numerous boards and commissions and has been a visible advocate for good governance and community engagement in Memphis.

R. Kemp Conrad (2003–2005)—Served on the Memphis City Council from 2008 to 2020, holding leadership positions as both Chair and Vice-Chair. A Rhodes College graduate with a BA in History and an MBA from Vanderbilt University, he brought strong business expertise to his public service. Conrad chaired the Economic Development, Tourism & Technology Committee, vice-chaired the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, and served on multiple other key committees, including budget, utilities, and public services. He was also liaison to the Airport Authority and the Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board. Known for his advocacy on issues ranging from economic growth and pension reform to combating blight, he played a leading role in major development initiatives and continues to contribute to public discourse in Memphis and Shelby County.

Bill Giannini (2005–2009)—Later served as Deputy Commissioner of Tennessee's Department of Commerce and Insurance and launched a consulting firm before his tragic passing in 2017. At the time of his death, he was in the running for TNGOP Chairman. We remember his leadership, infectious smile, and boundless energy.

Lang Wiseman (2009–2011)—Cemented GOP leadership in Shelby County and notably chaired campaign operations for Governor Bill Lee’s successful 2018 race. He went on to serve as Deputy Governor and General Counsel to Governor Lee from 2019 to 2021, advising on key policy and legal matters and drawing on his legal and political background from Memphis.

He is now Senior Executive Vice President & General Counsel at First Horizon Corporation, a role he took on in 2024. In this position, he oversees all company legal matters—including compliance with securities, corporate, and banking laws, as well as government relations.

Justin Joy (2011–2015)—Built a legal career in Memphis as a shareholder and cybersecurity leader at Lewis Thomason, also serving as privacy officer and maintaining a strong professional footprint.

Mary Wagner (2015–2016)—Appointed Circuit Court Judge in 2016 by Governor Bill Haslam and was confirmed to a full term in 2018. In February 2024, Governor Bill Lee nominated her to the Tennessee Supreme Court; she was confirmed by the legislature in March and sworn in on September 1, 2024, and now sits as a Tennessee Supreme Court Justice.

Lee Mills (2016–2019)—Served as 1st Vice Chairman under Mary Wagner and was elevated to Chairman after Judge Wagner’s appointment to the bench. He ran successfully for a full two-year term in 2017 and was unanimously elected, leading the Party through a period of organizational focus and guiding it to its largest membership size ever. His tenure strengthened infrastructure, expanded outreach, and positioned the Party for sustained growth.

Mills remains active in Republican politics as the current TNGOP District 32 Committeeman, helping shape the Party’s direction at the state level. His wife, Amber Mills, serves as a Shelby County Commissioner for District 1, making them a well-known team in local and state public service.

Chris Tutor (2019–2021)—Appointed Chief of Staff to the Tennessee Attorney General in March 2025. Former partner at Butler Snow LLP and Vice-Chair of the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission, he was also selected for the Tennessee Bar Association’s 2025 Leadership Law program.

Cary Vaughn (2021–2025)—Led the Party through the early 2020s, emphasizing renewed outreach and organizational development. A respected pastor and ministry leader, he serves as President and CEO of Love Worth Finding Ministries, a global Christian broadcast and media organization. He was re-elected as Shelby County GOP Chair in 2023, calling for unity and fresh energy within the Party.

Worth Morgan (2025–Present)—After serving on the Memphis City Council representing District 5 from 2016 to 2024, Worth Morgan became Chair of the Shelby County Republican Party in early 2025. He was the Republican nominee for Shelby County Mayor in 2022, running a strong countywide campaign that increased the Party’s visibility and engagement. As Chair, he has focused on strengthening outreach, recruiting candidates, and building coalitions to position the Party for future success.