Club Elects 2026 Board

Republican Women of Yoakum Area (RWOYA) members began the New Year with enthusiasm and focus at our first meeting of the year with plans to support legislative priorities and Republican candidates, and to win the midterm elections. 

The January meeting always begins with an organizational business and budget adoption meeting. Under newly elected President Cheryl Thompson-Draper’s capable leadership, committee chairs were appointed, and they each reported on plans for events and projects for the coming year. 

Immediate Past President Laura Watson was recognized for her outstanding leadership by President Draper and applauded by the members. Laura has agreed to take on the role of Education /Literacy Chair this year. She also reported on the details for the coming primary forum for candidates of all levels who will represent the club's three-county area. 

Several new members were welcomed to our organization. 

RWOYA meets the second Wednesday of each month at 11:30 am at the Yoakum Community Center.  Women members of other Republican women's clubs and men are welcome to become our associate members. Our membership includes Lavaca, Gonzales, and DeWitt Counties. Visitors are always welcomed.

RWOYA is blessed to also have two members who serve as County Chairmen-Jeannie Seidel- DeWitt County and Liz Hernandez-Gonzales County, as well as associate member Lorena Kanak- Lavaca County.

CAPTION: Republican Women of Yoakum Area 2026 Board of Directors - Officers and Committee Chairs, left to right, are Tammy Herchek (Secretary) Christina Cherry (Hospitality), Marie Day (Treasurer/PAC Treasurer), Vicki Vickers (1st VP), Leslie Arehns (2nd VP), Pam Ward (Bylaws), Cheryl Thompson-Draper (President), Linda O’Neill (Chaplain), Liz Hernandez (Parliamentarian), Cheryl Bates (Sergeant-at-Arms), Laura Wauson (Education/Literacy) & Jeannie Seidel (Legislative). Not pictured: Sandra Chandler (Campaign/Political Activities)