Just days after being sworn in as Lamar County Republican Party chair, Sims Norment has announced his resignation.
“I have told several of you that I had hoped we could all work together so that we could have a productive two years,” Norment wrote in an email announcing his decision. “I have also said that if we could not work together, it would be a counterproductive two years because I would not quit. After careful consideration, I have changed my mind and decided it is in the best interest of the Republican Party of Lamar County that I resign as chair, effective today.
“I wanted to make a positive difference in Lamar County and the state of Texas, but without your trust that is not possible.”
Norment was elected county chair during the Republican primary on Mar. 3, 2026, defeating incumbent Frank Wright Jr. with 55.74% of the vote to Wright’s 44.26%.
Interim Lamar County Chair Rhonda Welch said, “The Lamar County Republican Party acknowledges the recent resignation of our new County Chair, Sims Norment. Although, Mr Norment served briefly following the swearing-in, we respect his decision.”
Welch said, per the Texas Republican Party bi-laws, they are in the process of filling the chair position within the twenty day requirement.
“I will continue to support most Republican candidates, as they are the candidates that most understand that small government is better than large government, that the free enterprise system is the solution to our nation’s problems, and that freedom and liberty are our most precious traditions,” said Norment.
The Lamar County Republican Party’s new executive committee was also sworn-in at the meeting on July 20, including Precinct Chairs Lenita Unruh, Bill Collins, Keith Flowers, Vicki Thompson, Rhonda Welch, Troy Jones, Sherrel Mock, Leandra Maughon, and CynthiaTims.
Not present was Melinda Malone and Kandice Prior.
Officers nominated and approved by the new committee were Robbie Durham, Secretary, Paula Wright, Treasurer, and Rhonda Welch Vice Chair.
“As we move forward, the Lamar County Republican Party remains steadfast in our mission to elect conservative leaders and strengthen our community,” said Welch. We extend an open invitation to all conservative voters in Lamar to join us. We are currently finalizing details for an upcoming general meeting where we will outline our strategy for the upcoming elections and discuss opportunities for service, including precinct-level leadership.”
