Come January, the Lexington County GOP will have a new chair, while the previous chair, recently ousted, continues to act as though she’s leading the local Republican Party.

Pamela Godwin, elected chair in April, was removed after the state party’s Executive Committee in December, ending a months-long schism during which the county GOP separated into opposing factions led by Godwin and 1st Vice Chair Mark Weber, each with separate websites and social media accounts.

On Dec. 19, the county GOP held a special called meeting during which Weber, first identified by the group as acting chair following Godwin’s ouster, was introduced as 1st vice chair. He said they were awaiting a letter from the state party detailing the specifics of Godwin’s removal.

The letter arrived later in the week, sent by State GOP Executive Director Hope Rossi. A copy was provided to the Chronicle.

It states that “the Chairmanship of the Lexington County Republican Party is currently vacant as of December 13, 2023,” adding that a new election is in the process of taking place with Weber currently serving as the acting leader for the party until a formal vote is held.

The letter adds that the Weber-led party is recognized by the state GOP in accordance with state election law.

“I don’t want to make this more controversial than it's already been,” Weber said ahead of receiving the letter. “I know we've had a lot of drama.”

Weber dug in a bit at the meeting into why Godwin was removed from the position, echoing the state party’s explanations that she violated a rule stating that no individual who holds a party office can take legal action against another member..

The faction led by Weber posted to Facebook in September that Lisa Dowdy, co-chair of a “Disciplinary Committee” under Godwin, was suing 3rd Vice Chair John Allen, Treasurer Jackie Fowler, and Preston Baines for $7,000 per person and other miscellaneous items.

Lexington County court records show that suits brought by the county party against these three individuals were all dismissed in November.

A resolution, shared to the Godwin faction’s Facebook, claims that Godwin wasn’t party to any legal proceedings against the party at any level, against any officers in their official capacities,  and she did not have her name on any legal filings toward the party or any officer. The resolution adds that the state GOP’s actions are based on false and inaccurate information from the state’s rules committee.

Meanwhile, the social media channels operated by Godwin’s faction continue to act as though she is out representing the party, posting videos earlier this week of her out making a holiday food donation.

Godwin told the Chronicle in September that she was unaware of any current lawsuits.

On Dec. 19, the Facebook operated by Godwin’s faction posted a release claiming Weber vacated and abandoned his position as 1st Vice Chair and that the position is open and unfilled. The release also complains that Weber is not the acting chair and calls any motions made by the other group acting as the county party invalid.

During the Dec. 19 meeting, Weber stated, “I’m not interim chair, I’m not the chairman/pro-tem. I am 1st vice chair acting on behalf of the county because the county chair seat has been vacated.”

Prior to Godwin’s removal by the state, Weber had been claiming the title of chair.

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.