By Miles Layton

Since the nation’s largely media-driven political divide needs to shift focus, we’ll continue our conversation into 2026 to humanize the people involved on both sides of the partisan divide.  

I refuse to be “triggered” anymore – part of the psyop that keeps the country divided rather than calling for revolution against a government, be it Raleigh or DC, that’s too big, inefficient and stupid to govern. 

Whether you are a red hat, camouflage-jacket-wearing MAGA Republican or a nose ring, purple-haired “No Kings” protester, we have more in common as Americans than differences. We need everyone’s voices to make our republic a shining city on a hill.  

This story introduces Sam Solomon, who has been appointed as chairman of Gates County’s Republican Party — he’s a pretty good guy.  

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GATESVILLE — Longtime Gates County Republican Sam Solomon has been approved by the local party to serve as its new chairman, stepping into the leadership role as the county prepares for the 2026 election cycle.

Solomon was elected to the position in December 2025, following years of involvement with the Gates County Republican Party. Before becoming chairman, he served in multiple leadership capacities within the organization, including vice chair and member-at-large.

Solomon takes over the chairman’s reins after Dave Forsythe stepped aside to run for NC Senate, District 1.  

Solomon, 71, lives in Gatesville and is married. He is retired from a career in information technology but remains active professionally through self-employment.

“I retired from an IT business. Now a self-employed restorer of old houses and old cars,” Solomon said.

While his chairmanship is new, Solomon said his connection to the Republican Party is longstanding.

“Always been Republican. Active the last 15 years,” he said when asked how long he has been involved in GOP politics.

As chairman, Solomon said his primary focus will be strengthening the relationship between Gates County residents and elected officials, while also encouraging greater civic engagement at the local level.

“Connect local folks with lawmakers and show people they have a voice if they get involved,” Solomon said when describing what he hopes to accomplish as chairman.

With the 2026 election cycle approaching, Solomon said expanding the party’s base and boosting participation will be key priorities for Gates County Republicans.

“To grow our active membership and find volunteers to help with elections and voter turnout,” he said when asked about his goals for the upcoming cycle.

Solomon said his love for Gates County and its rural character plays a central role in his motivation to lead the party. He described the county as a place defined by its people, landscape and way of life.

“Rural Life. Fine folks with rural values. Swamps and big water and big farm fields,” Solomon said when asked what he likes best about living in Gates County.

That appreciation for rural communities, Solomon said, is shaped in part by his own upbringing and experiences outside Gates County. He and his wife grew up in a rural area that later underwent rapid development, something he hopes to prevent from happening locally.

“My wife and I were raised in a rural part of Forsyth county, west of Winston Salem. We watched it become a bedroom community for Winston Salem. Then the land prices went up, and row crops became row houses,” Solomon said. “The rural beauty and culture that people loved was smothered out.”

Drawing on that experience, Solomon said he hopes to use his position to encourage residents who may not typically engage in politics to take an interest in protecting the county’s character.

“I have the benefit of hindsight and hope to be one of the canaries sounding a warning and protecting rural life as we take care of what makes this county wonderful,” he said.

Solomon said outreach will be an important part of his role as chairman, particularly in connecting with people who feel disconnected from the political process.

By emphasizing local issues and the impact of civic involvement, Solomon said he believes more residents will recognize that their voices matter.

As Gates County Republicans look ahead to contested races at the state and federal level, Solomon said he is not concerned about potential divisions arising from primary elections, including races in Congressional District 1 and North Carolina Senate District 1.

“I do not worry about what I have no control of,” Solomon said. “The Gates County Republican party will support the voters’ choices in the March 2026 primary.”

Solomon said that approach reflects his belief in the importance of respecting the will of Republican voters, regardless of the outcome of internal contests.

By focusing on unity after the primary and participation during the election season, Solomon said the party can remain effective and focused on its broader goals.

As chairman, Solomon now leads the Gates County Republican Party during a pivotal period, with voter engagement, volunteer recruitment and preservation of the county’s rural identity among the issues he says will guide his leadership.

Through his background in business, restoration work and local party leadership, Solomon said he hopes to bring a steady hand and long-term perspective to the role, grounded in both experience and a deep appreciation for Gates County and its people.