BY MILES LAYTON

After Chowan County’s annual Republican Party Convention, the Albemarle Observer interviewed the county’s new GOP Chairman, Jennifer Rice, to learn more about not only her journey to Coastal Carolina but also about the party’s plans for the future – 2026. 

Democrats, if you have similar news and want to talk, reach out to me at mileslayton1969@gmail.com 

By understanding the political party structure and platform, no matter the party label, citizens can make better-informed decisions on the policies that impact our lives.  

Let’s do this interview Rolling Stone style — question and answer.

What are your goals as chair?

I would like to see more people in Chowan County take an interest in politics, starting at the local level.  I would obviously like to see more registered Republicans in our county.  I’m hoping to attract more people to the Chowan GOP during my term as chair.

Since you are serving a 2-year term, what do you hope to accomplish for the 2026 midterms locally? For the District?  

I’m hoping to attract & support quality candidates who will assist President Trump in carrying out his vision for America.  The same goes for our state & local elections.  Republicans want common sense policies & less government intruding in our lives.

Why does politics matter to you?

Because putting the right people in power can have a positive effect on your everyday life, just as putting the wrong people in power can have a detrimental effect.  Over the last four years Americans saw very clearly how difficult things were getting for average people just trying to support their families.  Americans voted for common sense policies & voted against open borders, DEI, CRT, transgender ideology, censorship, out of control spending & a diminished standing on the world stage.

How is Chowan County’s GOP going to attract/register voters?

By getting out the Republican message of common sense policies.  We need to educate people about the importance of voting starting at the local level.  We plan to continue working at the Chowan County Regional Fair, where we register people to vote & have candidates on hand during that event.  People can check out our Facebook Page:  Chowan County GOP for more information & our meetings schedule.

What got you interested in politics?  

I would have to say that I got extremely interested in politics after the 9/11 attacks.  That is when I started paying much more attention to what was going on in the country & around the world, & really noticed the bias in the media as far as how Republicans & Democrats were covered.  In 2012, I joined the Central Chesapeake Republican Women’s Club & also became an Election Official/Poll Worker in the city of Chesapeake. 

I continued working in these areas until 2019 when we moved to Edenton.  I am also a member of the Northeast Carolina Republican Women, a fairly new club that was only established in 2021 & chartered in 2022.  Our membership includes seven NC counties:  Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank & Perquimans.  Our Facebook Page is:  Northeast Carolina Republican Women

How did you discover Chowan County?

In 1996, on the recommendation of our kids’ babysitter, we stayed at the Granville Queen BnB to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary.  I remember walking around town & wishing that we lived in a place like this, & now we do!

Why did you decide to relocate here?

We liked the historical nature of the town and the fact that it’s a relatively easy drive to the Chesapeake/Hampton Roads area, where we still have family & doctors, etc.  By this time, our kids were grown & gone, so we were able to move out of the area without affecting them.  It’s also very quiet, less traffic & the people are so friendly, & we also enjoy all the agriculture surrounding us.  Reminds me a bit of growing up in rural Michigan.

Do you live in Edenton?

We live approximately 2.5 miles outside of town on Yeopim Rd. in a 1908 farmhouse.

What was your job before retiring?

I was employed (part-time/at-will) as a contractor with a company that provided people for the Office of Military Commissions (OMC) from 2012 until 2023.  I used to escort Non-Governmental Organization Representatives (NGORs) from Andrews AFB to GTMO to observe the USS Cole, 9/11, and other hearings.  I also monitored CCTV sites at the Pentagon & different military installations.  I resigned in 2023 after another company took over the contract. 

Prior to this contracting position, I’d worked at Western Pest Services from 1995-2007 as a Commercial Sales Rep, Commercial Technician (Exterminator), Branch Mgr., & Residential Technician.  My husband started working overseas as a contractor in 2007, so I became a stay-at-home wife & mom while our kids were still in school.

Have you ever held elected public office before? No

What is your husband’s name? Ken Rice 

Kids? Son: David Rice  Daughter:  Carolyn Rice Bertucci, her husband is Brent Bertucci

Grandkids?  Blair Bertucci (6), Elle Bertucci (2)

What do you like best about living in Chowan County?  

We love living in an old house with a big yard, the slower pace of life, very little traffic & the many friends we’ve made since moving here!