Chatham County DNC, RNC delegates speak to News 3
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Nearly one month after the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, the spotlight now shifts to the Democratic Party as Democratic National Convention (DNC) begins Monday in Chicago.
The Coastal Empire and Lowcountry are represented quite well at both conventions, with two first-time delegates telling News 3 about their upcoming and past experiences.
James “Jay” Jones is a tenured figure in Chatham County and Georgia politics, serving as a former Chatham County commissioner and a former Chatham County Democratic Party chairman.
He is now the chair for Georgia Democratic Party’s 1st Congressional District.
Jones says after around five years of being involved in the party structure, he has learned a lot that has led up to this pivotal moment, being selected as a DNC delegate for Georgia’s 1st Congressional District.
“Politics is not just the rigmarole you see on TV,” says Jones, “It’s just been a joy ride learning the process of how to become a DNC delegate and how to be a representative going to Chicago.”
The last time Jones attended the DNC, he was a college student and volunteer, and now he is attending for the first time as an official delegate.
“We want to do everything we can, learn tricks and trades from other places and other states- how they’re doing, what they’re doing, to try to get out the vote, and bring those things here to Chatham County,” says Jones.
He says he is most excited for hearing from speakers such as former President Obama, Michelle Obama, And Vice President Harris’ VP pick, Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minn.).
“It’s good to read behind the outlines of what these people represent, but to hear it come form their mouths and hear their genuineness is very important to me,” says Jones.
Bryant Maude, a Savannah resident and homebuilder who was an RNC delegate for Georgia’s 1st Congressional District, is also a first time delegate. His journey to the convention started in 2020 when he began volunteering for the GOP, then overseeing a governor’s campaign for Candace Taylor.
“I watched a lot of conventions, but I never actively participated, so it was such an honor to go, the whole process,” says Maude.
Maude says he enjoyed the speeches from prominent GOP figures such as former President Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson, but more so personal stories, such as Gold Star parents of soldiers who died in the Afghanistan withdrawal, and a pastor a small church who received a visit from Trump.
“The people that I thought were gonna give the most, like the vice president, or something like that, but they weren’t as moving as the personal stories,” says Maude.
Another favorite memory of his was meeting singer Lee Greenwood, something he says he thought, was impossible.
“I’m in the St. Regis hotel getting some water, and Lee Greenwood walks in, so I go up to him and get my photograph with him,” says Maude.
Maude says his experience at the RNC was entirely positive.
“When we got there it was very upbeat and optimistic, with lots of energy and so many people,” he says.
Jones says he is optimistic about what the upcoming weeks holds for him and the party.
“I try to stay away from the negative conversations, negative activities, because negativity won’t get us anywhere,” says Jones, “but if we’re positive about the nature of our speaking, our emotions, that’s how we change our environment.”
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