Conservative Group Calls for Lucas County GOP Chair to Resign

Toledoans for Trump criticizes Barbara Orange's leadership, citing lack of fundraising and weak candidate recruitment

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A local Republican group called Toledoans for Trump is demanding the resignation of Lucas County Republican Party (LCRP) chairman Barbara Orange, citing concerns over her leadership and the party's performance under her tenure. The group has started a petition and is accusing Orange of failing to uphold the party's principles and support its future in the county.

Why it matters

Lucas County is considered a Democratic stronghold, making it a critical battleground for the Ohio GOP. The calls for Orange's resignation highlight internal divisions within the local Republican party and raise questions about its ability to effectively compete in this key political landscape.

The details

Toledoans for Trump, a group with around 10,000 members, has taken to social media to demand that Orange step down as LCRP chair. The group criticizes her leadership, claiming a decrease in fundraising and weak candidate recruitment under her tenure. However, LCRP communications chair Tom Waniewski praised Orange's accomplishments, noting that the party fielded nearly a full slate of candidates in 2024, increased outreach to voters, and raised more money at the 2025 Lincoln Day Dinner than the previous year.

  • Barbara Orange was elected LCRP chair in April 2024.
  • Toledoans for Trump started a petition calling for Orange's resignation on Monday night.

The players

Barbara Orange

The current chair of the Lucas County Republican Party, who has been an active member and volunteer with the party for over 20 years. She founded the Lucas County Republican Women's Club and served as the secretary of the LCRP's executive and central committees, as well as executive director from 2018 to 2020.

Toledoans for Trump

A local Republican group with around 10,000 members that is calling for the replacement of LCRP chairman Barbara Orange.

Tom Waniewski

The communications chairman for the Lucas County Republican Party, who praised Orange's accomplishments as chair.

Ron Johns

A founding member of Toledoans for Trump who no longer lives in Lucas County but has stayed active with the group, including the members who still reside in the county.

Laura Brown

A Swanton resident who is running for Lucas County commissioner as a write-in candidate.

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What they’re saying

“Lucas County is critically important to Ohio's political landscape, yet under her leadership, we believe the party is failing both its principles and the future of our city.”

— Toledoans for Trump (Facebook post)

“Frankly, I don't know what [Toledoans for Trump] is talking about. [Ms. Orange] has done a great job as chair.”

— Tom Waniewski, LCRP communications chairman (toledoblade.com)

“It's not that the party is running bad candidates. They aren't running candidates at all.”

— Ron Johns, Founding member of Toledoans for Trump (toledoblade.com)

What’s next

The group's petition calling for Barbara Orange's resignation as LCRP chair has garnered 75 signatures as of Monday night. It remains to be seen if the party's central committee will take any action in response to the group's demands.

The takeaway

The calls for the Lucas County GOP chair's resignation highlight the internal divisions and challenges facing the local Republican party in a Democratic stronghold like Toledo. The party's ability to field competitive candidates and effectively fundraise will be crucial to its future success in this key Ohio county.