SHELBY – Farmer and Chair of the Shelby County Democratic Party, Chris Gibbs, will be the keynote speaker this Saturday, May 3, at the Shelby Area Democratic Club’s 18th annual Truman-Kennedy Breakfast.
Having been a Reagan Republican most of his adult life, being a Democratic Chair was certainly not on Gibbs’ radar; that is, until Trump’s 2018 tariffs on China triggered him to write a scathing critique of Trump in the local newspaper.
It changed his life.
In a county where Republicans outnumber Democrats 8 to 1, criticizing Trump had consequences. He lost friends and he lost his seat on the Shelby County Board of Elections.
He also garnered national media attention. Farmers had overwhelmingly voted for Trump in 2016. Now here was one who was wondering aloud about his vote.
It was a few years before Gibbs realized the Democratic party might be a home for him and now as Shelby County Chair, Gibbs is working to turn rural Ohio blue.
Shelby Dems will hear how Gibbs is making Democratic voices in Shelby County heard again. His story is an American story – one of courage, resilience, and strength.
The Shelby Dems will also be giving out their annual Give ‘Em Hell and Profiles in Courage awards to the people who have best embodied the spirit of Presidents Truman and Kennedy in their life and work over the past year.
The Breakfast will run from 9 to 11 a.m. in the basement of the First United Church of Christ, 23 Church St., in Shelby.
All people of good will are welcome to attend. Reservations are being accepted through Thursday, May 1. Seating is limited. Call John at 419-709-6461 or via email at shelbydems@yahoo.com.