This week marked a significant expansion for the Young Republicans National Federation with the inauguration of a new state chapter headquarters in Orlando, Florida.
The choice of location is tactical, as the Republican Party aims to turn the predominantly blue region into a red stronghold in preparation for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
“Investing in Orlando and accomplishing double the work in less time is going to be crucial,” stated Brandon Ludwig, a defense contractor and the chairman of the Florida Young Republicans, during a conversation with Fox News Digital.
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Brandon Ludwig, chairman of the Florida Young Republicans, with Tom Harb, the building owner of the new office location.
(Erin Huntley)
Ludwig, a fifth-generation resident of Florida, was appointed chairman in June 2023.
According to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, there are more registered Democrats in Orange County, including the bustling city of Orlando, than Republicans.
World Population Review estimates Orange County will have a population of 1,491,071 in 2024.
As of July 12, 2024, Orange County recorded 805,510 registered voters, among which 214,177 are Republicans and 322,541 are Democrats, as per the Florida Division of Elections.
“We are situated in a blue county, with about 39% of registered voters being Democrats and 27% being Republicans,” Erin Huntley, chair of the Orange County GOP, conveyed to Fox News Digital on a call.
Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans among active voters in Orange County, which includes the populous city of Orlando.
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Huntley also mentioned that a recent voter registration analysis indicated that 10,000 Republicans registered compared to just 2,000 Democrats in Orange County over the past year.
“Trends in voter registration indicate energy, appetite, and momentum shifting towards us,” Huntley remarked.
Ludwig emphasized that the Young Republicans are prioritizing outreach to the young workforce in the hospitality sector in and around Orlando, particularly those employed by Disney and Universal.
“This will enable us to connect with these individuals and effectively engage with Orlando’s diverse communities,” he added.
Florida is now the second state to establish a Young Republican headquarters, following Waukesha, Wisconsin. The main Young Republican National Federation headquarters is based in Washington, D.C.
Brandon Ludwig mentioned that Orlando is a focus area for Young Republicans due to the young workforce at Disney and Universal.
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Ludwig and Huntley, along with others, dedicated extensive effort to establish a central hub for campaign activities, collaborating closely with the county’s GOP to take advantage of the momentum among emerging Republican voters.
“Orlando stands out as the blue spot in a state that is transitioning to red,” Ludwig asserted.
The objective of the Young Republicans is to recruit, train, and elect a new generation of Republicans nationwide. The Florida Young Republicans are honing in on new membership through door-to-door outreach and hosting social and networking events, among other strategies.
“It’s a fantastic networking initiative. Our members represent a diverse array of backgrounds. I personally don’t work in politics,” Ludwig shared. “We even have members of Congress and former television personalities among our ranks.”
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Ludwig noted that in 2022, the organization had eight chapters and 300 members throughout Florida. Now, he proudly reports that the Young Republicans have expanded to 20 chapters and over 1,000 members.
“The Tampa area is thriving,” Ludwig remarked. “We’ve seen an influx of individuals relocating from California and various northern states. It’s particularly interesting because many of these newcomers were not previously engaged in politics, yet chose to leave their states because of political climates.”
Ludwig further indicated that while Young Republicans highlight a range of political issues needing change, the rising cost of living and inflation are significant concerns for many members.
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“Our youth members are facing challenges such as renting and uncertainty about homeownership,” Ludwig expressed. “While numerous concerns exist, that particular issue consistently stands out.”
With the new Florida headquarters aimed at enhancing awareness for the local and state party, Ludwig noted that Orlando, recognized as an international gateway, holds potential to extend the organization’s reach beyond the state as well.
“Our focus will largely center around Florida,” Ludwig said.
“Orlando is a major hub for conferences, allowing us to connect more effectively with a broader audience,” he continued. “This is where we can create both state and national influence.”
