GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The chairman of the Kent County Republican Party has resigned after only seven months in office.
The party made the announcement on Wednesday in the "Kent County GOP Weekly News" email.
In a "note from the editor" it says, "this week brings some bittersweet news, as I share with you that our chairman, Tim Walenga, is resigning from his role on the Kent County Executive Committee. We thank him deeply for his volunteer service to the cause of freedom the past eight years, and we know he will continue to serve his community passionately."
It goes on to say, "those who know him well, know him to be a selfless, loyal and hardworking patriot and friend, with a special heart for veterans."
Walenga was first selected for the position in December of 2022 when a broad coalition of grassroots, "America First" Trump-supporters took over the county party.
According to a Republican strategist familiar with the situation, there were concerns over Walenga's ability to raise money and his ability to provide adequate candidate support.
Five members of the Executive Committee also penned a combined letter of resignation, stating their support for Walenga and the larger "America First" grassroots movement.
In the letter, they expressed issue with the "current political power structure in Kent County. Namely, a small group of wealthy and highly connected people exercising influence over dozens of local primaries to such a profound degree, that a massive power imbalance resulted, erasing meaningful representation of the families who live and work in Kent County."
They say that the "2020 election and the policies enacted during COVID played a role in the frustration and energy of our movement, causing hundreds of Kent County Republicans to get involved at the grassroots level, and attempt to shift the power dynamic in a more representative direction."
They go on to allege that Walenga's weaknesses have been "exploited, mocked, and weaponized against him and those who tirelessly supported him," further adding that "our slim values-aligned majority that we entered the year with no longer exists. The division has been sewn and cultivated, trust destroyed, and friendships lost."
"At least ten or more members have made it clear they do not want to continue the good-faith mission we embarked upon in January with our elected chair, leaving our bonds severed and our strength evaporated," it reads.
The letter was signed by Rina Baker, Jeff Carlson, Angela Gillisse, Gail Schuiling, and Anna Timmer.
The Republican strategist also tells FOX 17 that two other Executive Committee members, Ruth-Ann Karnes and Mark Jordan, have left their positions.
The Kent County GOP Executive Committee is made up of more than 80 members, including appointed delegates and elected officials, which include city, county and state leaders.
It is not yet clear who will take his place and what comes next for leadership within the Kent County GOP.
Tim Walenga sent us a statement on August 15th saying "It is true, I resigned. I plan to still be an active Republican, working on special projects, to defeat the Democrats, as they are destroying our communities by the minute."
