Former Shelby Republican chair to speak in Tiffin

The Seneca County Democratic Party announced their speaker for their annual Democracy Celebration Dinner as Chris Gibbs, farmer and former Chair of the Shelby County Republican Party. The dinner will be at 5 p.m. with a cash bar and dinner at 6 p.m. Oct. 24, at the Chandelier Event Center, 151 S. Washington, Tiffin. Gibbs made headlines during the 2018 election when he publicly criticized then-President Donald Trump. After "begrudgingly" voting for Donald Trump in 2016, Gibbs switched parties. He now serves as the democratic party chair of Shelby County. He left the Republican party over sensible immigration reform and Trump's trade and tariff policy. Now, he's turned his efforts toward building up rural Democrats. Gibbs's speech will discuss his personal history, beliefs, and vision for lifting up rural America. When asked about his visit to Seneca County, he said, "It's an honor to do it, we're all in this together." Gina Grandillo, current chair of the Seneca County Democrats, said, "I think a lot of people will relate to Chris's story, especially those frustrated with the current direction of republican leadership locally and nationally." Grandillo noted, "Our local party has seen an uptick in Republicans against Trump this election season. Chris Gibbs is a close-to-home example of country over party. We are happy to have his voice." Candidates from up and down the ballot, including Ohio Supreme Court hopefuls, will also be in attendance. The local Democrats host this pre-election Democracy Day Dinner every year as a final effort to get out the vote before the November Election. Citizens from both parties are invited to attend and learn more in advance of election day, Tuesday, Nov 5. Gibbs explained, "I spent 20 years within the Republican Administration in Shelby County, much of that as chair. I support the ideals of diplomacy, statesmanship, and personal responsibility." Tickets to attend the dinner are $50 for general admission and $20 for students. Registration for the dinner is available at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/senecademocracydinner, or by contacting Grandillo. If you would like to get involved in the local Democratic Party, you can find more information on Facebook @SenecaCountyDemocrats or reach out to Gina directly at g.grandillo@senecacountydemocrats.org.