San Diego GOP Elects New Leadership

The San Diego County Republican Party Central Committee met on the evening of December 9 and elected Paula S. Whitsell, a resident of Chula Vista, as the new Chairwoman of the county organization. The setting was the Legacy Hotel in Mission Valley, San Diego.

The San Diego GOP has not seen a seriously contested leadership election in more than twenty years. This one featured many of the trappings of a political campaign: two credible candidates, campaign literature, endorsements, and a raucous election night debate on parliamentary matters and bylaws.

Whitsell first joined the Central Committee in 2012 and was elected Chairwoman in 2020 but stepped down from the post in April after being challenged in an internal leadership dispute. She was replaced briefly by the much younger Corey Gustafson, who sought reelection. Instead, the party returned Whitsell to the Chair, choosing her again to lead the party into the 2026 election cycle.

“Building on Republican wins nationally in 2024, our goal is to prepare the battlefield for San Diego County to help elect a new Republican governor and boost our numbers in the legislature, Congress, and in local offices,” said Whitsell. “I’m delighted and proud that a majority of the Central Committee has seen fit to assign this duty to me. I look forward to a unified effort among all our members to make gains in San Diego County.”

Whitsell offered a combination of experienced leadership and a plan to mentor a younger cohort of emerging leaders. Four others were elected as new officers, including Vice Chairs Alana Sorensen, a resident of Escondido and previous Central Committee member, and Kristie Bruce-Lane, a resident of 4S Ranch and a recent candidate for State Assembly in the 76th District. Returning Central Committee member Dan Bickford, Santee, was chosen as Secretary, and Bill Exeter, a financial services executive from La Mesa was elected Treasurer.

Paula S. Whitsell has served in volunteer and leadership roles in the Republican Party for nearly 15 years, including leading roles in Republican Women of California in San Diego and Republican Women of Southbay.

The new Chairwoman expressed the hope that the Party would move on from election-related divisions. “It is entirely natural for there to be factions and competing interests aligning with different candidates. The job of the Chair is to help people put that aside once the election is over and to encourage competing parties to work together. Been there, done that, and I expect there will be more of that ahead.

“Preparing for the 2026 election is our top responsibility. Registering Republican voters, building our grassroots presence in neighborhoods, recruiting the next generation of Republican candidates and elected officials, and raising the funds to execute these vital programs will be our focus for the next two years,” added Whitsell.