The Kleberg County Republican Party held a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday for the grand opening of its new party headquarters, located at 1724 S. Brahma Blvd., Suite 104. (Photo by Christopher Maher) Kleberg County Republicans might not yet know when their primary election will be, but they now know where they can meet to strategize.

Nearly 100 people gathered Friday for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new headquarters for the party, which is located at 1724 S. Brahma Blvd., Suite 104.

In addition to local supporters, the event was attended by a number of candidates for federal, state and local office.

Those candidates were each given an opportunity to address the audience.

Raul Torres, current State Representative for District 33, addressed a continuing theme throughout the evening – uncertainty about Texas redistricting.

“I’m honored to be here. Kleberg County may be one of my counties,” Torres said, laughing as he emphasized the word “may.”

Jessica Puente Bradsahw, a candidate for U.S. Congress, was one of several candidates who attended the grand opening of the Kleberg County Republican Headquarters Friday. (Photo by Christopher Maher) Bill Wilson, another candidate for state representative, was also present at the event.

Jessica Puente Bradshaw, who hopes to run for a newly created U.S. Congressional representative seat, encouraged Republicans to be vocal in their community. She also emphasized the need for Republicans to vote in the Republican Primary, instead of crossing over to affect Democratic Primary outcomes.

“I’ve been knocking doorto door, and there are plenty of Republicans who have already given up. They were under Solomon Ortiz for so long,” Puente Bradshaw said. “We’re fooling ourselves if we think we can win our country back by pretending to be something we’re not. We need to stand up and vote.”

Other candidates in attendance included:

• Connie Cashen and Brandon Barrera, both running for Kleberg County Republican Party Chair;

• David Rosse and Scott Irby, both running for Pct. 1 Kleberg County Commissioner;

• Lori Turner and Veronica Ansaldua, both running for Texas State Board of Education, District 2;

• John Hubert, Kleberg- Kenedy County District Attorney;

• Richard Kirkpatrick, candidate for Kleberg County Sheriff.