Delegates Deliver Unanimous Vote at Convention

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 27, 2025
CONTACT: communications@nfrw.org

ORLANDO, Fla. – Delegates to the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) 43rd Biennial Convention unanimously elected Martha Jenkins of Chapel Hill, N.C., to serve as president in 2026-2027. The election took place Sept. 27.

Jenkins, whose term begins Jan. 1, will be the first NFRW president from the State of North Carolina. She currently is serving as 1st vice president and as director of Region 4 for the 2024-2025 biennium. She is a Capitol Regent, adviser to the campaign and legislation committees, and coordinator of the NFRW 2025 Convention.

Previously, Jenkins served the NFRW as 3rd vice president and member-at-large, chair of the Legislation and Research Committee, and vice chair of the Public Relations Committee. In 2007, she was recognized for her distinguished service as president of the North Carolina Federation of Republican Women with the NFRW Reagan Leadership Award.

"I am honored beyond measure to be elected the 2026-2027 NFRW President," Jenkins said. "My vision is to continue the growth and outreach of President Julie Harris. Our focus will be our members and our future members. All of our states will prosper by being united around our Republican ideals, and it will be my pleasure to lead this fantastic organization."

NFRW officers elected on Sept. 27 are:

• PRESIDENT: Martha Jenkins, North Carolina
• 1ST VICE PRESIDENT: Karen Newton, Texas
• 2ND VICE PRESIDENT: Lorie Legere, Oklahoma
• 3RD VICE PRESIDENT: Keri Abernathy, Mississippi
• 4TH VICE PRESIDENT: Judy Barlow, Alabama
• SECRETARY: Cindy Casaus, Arizona
• TREASURER: Heidi Parker Martin, Louisiana

Three members-at-large to the NFRW Executive Committee will be elected by the Board of Directors on Sept. 28.

Founded in 1938, the National Federation of Republican Women is the largest grassroots Republican women’s organization in the country. Building leaders, energizing communities and keeping America strong, NFRW empowers women from all backgrounds in the political process and provides a forum for women to serve as leaders in the political, government, and civic arenas.

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CAPTION: NFRW President Julie Harris, right, passes the gavel to Martha Jenkins, who will serve as president of the organization during the 2026-2027 term.