SALISBURY — Grayson Haff has been named the chairman of the Rowan County Republican Party, taking over as former chairman Tony Yon steps back into retirement.

Haff is no stranger to the local Republican Party, having been involved in politics since he graduated college. The China Grove native and business owner became active in local politics and eventually made a run for the N.C. House of Representatives in 2022, losing to former Representative Kevin Crutchfield.

This year, former Chairman Tony Yon decided that he wanted to step back from his role with the party, saying that he wanted to have more personal time to “do a little traveling, play a little golf and just enjoy my retirement.” When he made that decision, Haff said he was approached by some other active members who said he would be a good fit for the role and asked if he wanted it.

“He’s not a newbie, for lack of a better word, in the arena of local politics. He’s been hands-on and leading in those areas as well as being faithful in attendance in local executive meetings. I have the utmost confidence that he will continue in service to our party and our community and do a great job,” said Yon.

Haff put his name into the hat and was elected to the position at the Republican Convention in late March. Other Republican Party officers that were voted in include Vice-Chair Erica Vedeikis, Treasurer Stephanie Kidd Houghton and Secretary Pat Blide.

One of the main points of emphasis Haff said he had coming into the role was to continue to enhance the party’s presence at its physical location at 706A Jake Alexander Blvd. W., Salisbury, beside Jeter’s Deli.

“We have a headquarters now and we used to have those only on election day. Having this makes it easier for people to stay involved or for people who are new here to have a place to go where they know they can be involved,” said Haff.

Haff said that he also wanted to continue the party’s efforts to “build up our young people in the party,” by growing the Young Republicans and getting more young people directly involved.

He added that he also wants to continue to grow the participation in the party’s events, pointing to the annual Patriot’s Day Golf Tournament the party hosts every year as the headliner. Haff has been the coordinator for the golf tournament the past couple years, which Yon pointed to as one of the efforts he has been instrumental in.

All of that, Haff said, is in the hopes of better educating and galvanizing voters to be involved and pushing the causes they care about. He noted that local elected officials have been very involved, which has been a big benefit.

“Our local officials are pretty involved in the party, so there are good opportunities for voters to come and meet them and talk to them and learn what they do at the county commission, state or local level,” said Haff.