Longtime conservative leader Terry Wade is the new executive director of the Collin County Republican Party, Chairman Abraham George announced following Monday night’s executive committee meeting.
George tapped the GOP grassroots activist to take over from Neal Katz, who is stepping down after years of service to the local party.
“I am excited to welcome Terry Wade as our next executive director,” George told Texas Scorecard. “She is a conservative leader and a hard worker.”
Wade is a recently retired elementary school teacher who is known for her enthusiasm, work ethic, and commitment to party principles, making her a respected leader within Collin County’s conservative circles.
She has served as a party precinct and district chair, block-walked for candidates, organized events, trained volunteers, and worked on the party’s Victory Committee. She also headed the Collin County Conservative Republicans for three years.
In 2019, Wade received a Conservative Leader Award and was named State Republican Executive Committee Volunteer of the Year for Senate District 8.
As executive director, Wade will help navigate the local party through the November midterm elections and into the 2023 legislative session.
Collin is considered one of the reddest counties in the state. Every partisan elected office in the county is held by a Republican.
The North Texas county is also the fastest growing in the state and the second-fastest in the country. According to census data shared by Collin County Judge Chris Hill, the county gained more than 36,000 new residents from July 2020 to July 2021.
Many are moving to Collin County from California and other blue states to escape liberal policies.
Local Republicans worry that others relocating for work may bring liberal voting habits with them.
Wade’s challenge will be to work with George and other grassroots volunteers to engage newcomers.
“Victory 2022 is the most important agenda item for the Collin County Republican Party,” George said. “Terry will focus on making sure we win every office this November.”
