Back in April when we had the 2024 Carroll County Republican Convention at the courthouse in Carrollton. I was elected as a delegate to the state convention which was held in Jackson on Saturday, May 11. It was an honor to represent my home county of Carroll at the 2024 GOP State Convention at the Trade Mart. I met Laura Trump along with my good friend Senator Lydia Chassaniol who has helped with an abundance of funding for this area. Senator Chassaniol’s connections and influence here will live on for generations, and it’s evident in this photo with Governor Tate Reeves and former President Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law.
Now that the state convention has been held, the next will be the national convention this summer. I remember just like yesterday, in the late seventies and early eighties the national conventions were held every four years to decide on a nominee for president. Growing up I couldn’t wait; the suspense would come through the airwaves each night here in North Carrollton. It was all covered extensively, with prime-time suspense and drama.
However, through the years the conventions have changed. From the time of prime-time coverage, and later years the nominees are known before the gavel even calls the convention to order. Through the years, there were memorable moments from the floor of the convention halls. In 1976, when Ronald Reagan challenged incumbent President Gerald Ford for the nomination, Mississippi played a big role in being the deciding factor. It was a live and full display with the delegates from this state there in the hall.
This year, like years before the nominations have been decided. While the national conventions have changed from the early days, participation is as important as ever. When I represented my home county of Carroll at the state convention, I felt the same feeling I did back in 1992 when I registered to vote at the courthouse in Carrollton, that my vote matters.
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton, is a member of the state Republican Executive Committee and is a member of the Mississippi Municipal League board of directors.
