Texas Tea Party Republican Women

Our History

1992-2024

 Founded at God’s Direction!

Texas Tea Party Republican Women (TTPRW) was conceived by Susan Darbyshire after her attendance at a 1993 Cherry Tree Republicans meeting.  “The Lord gave me the name,” said Susan.  “It was His Club… but Elvie (Kingston) kicked me into gear.”  Their vision of a Club that would “preserve traditional pro-life, pro-family Republican views1” began June 23, 1993 with Peggy Cox, President, along with Susan and Elvie who called themselves the “Amazons.” 
At the 1994 Senate District 7 Convention, they handed out brochures while wearing hats and sequined vests.  Over 400 people signed up to get information on a pro-life Club.  “The excitement was unbelievable!” said Susan.
Peggy said the name resulted from “the group’s objection to the Clinton budget plan. 2”  Carol Gaines, second President, managed the process of the Club’s joining the Texas Federation of Republican Women (TFRW) in 1996 with the invaluable assistance of the Daughters of Liberty Republican Women. 
​In July 1995 Elvie encouraged the Club to keep its “focus clearly on moral issues,” yet become “involved in every aspect of government. 3”  This was followed in 1996 with a Club resolution that established polled principles for the Club, including the concepts of school choice, eminent domain issues, no-fault divorce and withdrawal from the United Nations.
Those early years were filled with parades, golf tournaments, style shows, fundraisers, starting Republican Women’s Clubs for African Americans and Hispanics, winning awards and running one of their own for office as well as participating at every level within the Republican Party.  But TTPRW was also working actively with charitable organizations–such as Star of Hope Mission and pro-life groups.
They won many awards, including the #1 Phone Bank in Texas Award for most hours worked, having a total of 17,990 hours from 113 people; 23 people had over 200 hours each.  Along with a membership explosion of over 400% in 1996, TTPRW raised $7,000 through a golf tournament.  In 1997 they won the National Federation of Republican Women’s Highest Achievement Award.  Under Lee Gayle Boettcher’s presidency, the Club co-sponsored an event with David Barton, which 400 people attended.  They also won the TFRW Best Newsletter Award and the John Goodwin Tower Achievement Award.
The ship logo was created, as well as a ship pin which symbolized TTPRW’s commitment to keeping taxes low and government less.  The logo has changed through the years, but the clipper ship still reflects the Club’s vision of fighting an increasing government bureaucracy and the accompanying taxes.
In 1999 the Club founded the Susan Darbyshire-Elvie Kingston Scholarship to encourage young women to work toward conservative Republican ideals.  Two outstanding fundraisers were held in 1999 (Chariots Racing Toward 2000 with Charlton Heston) and 2001 (The Unsinkable Debbie Reynolds) raising tens of thousands of dollars under the leadership of Presidents Elvie Kingston, Debbie Riddle and Kathleen Bush.  A trip to Israel to educate the Club and an Israel Awareness Day to educate the community were sponsored in 2002.  Through the years TTPRW gained an increasing political presence with the election of a number of its members, including Donna Ballard (SBOE), Terri Leo (SBOE), Debbie Riddle (State Representative), Bonnie Dadidakis (Spring School ISD), Kay Smith (HCDE), Emergency Service District boards and Precinct Chairs.
Texas Tea activities in the Republican Party and TFRW continued, winning awards and attending conventions, including taking 20 members to the 2005 TFRW convention.  John & Henrietta Haessly went to the 2005 Presidential Inauguration.  Under Betty Anderson’s leadership, the Club held a two great fundraisers–one honoring Texas First Lady Anita Perry at the Downtown Aquarium.  With Betty’s encouragement and the Executive Board’s approval, Gail Stanart wrote the Club’s vision statement:  “To promote Judeo-Christian principles in government through political and charitable activities.”
President Perky Savage wisely took advantage of the Senate District 7 race for State Senate, increasing membership by 56%, running the statewide Victory Center (handling all of the Republican Party of Texas mailings) and winning TFRW’s 1st Place Award for Most Volunteer Hours for a Jumbo Club, as well as the 1st Place Elephant Stampede Award.  The Club increased by 56% again in 2007 under President Gail Stanart and winning NFRW’s 1st Place National Membership Growth Award for a Large Club.  Texas Tea’s membership reached over 300!
President Elvie Kingston enthusiastically led the Club again in 2008 & 2009 when many of us participated in the first Taxed Enough Already Day that spawned the “Tea Parties,” followed by President Sharon Slover, who kept us closely connected to the State Legislature by also working as the District Director for State Representative Allen Fletcher.
Kay Smith organized a very successful fundraiser with speaker David Limbaugh and a live auction of fabulous fur coats in 2010.  Today, under Kay’s leadership as President, Texas Tea Party Republican Women continues to fight for the same conservative social and fiscal issues as 20 years ago.  The Club continues its vision for the community and the nation which includes engaging people in the restoration of the country to its Godly heritage and leading the Club members to ever more effective influence for Judeo-Christian principles.
1  Tea Times 10th Anniversary November 2003
2  1960 Sun Newspaper, 2/2/94
3  Tea Times July 1995

Past Presidents

  • Peggy Cox
    1993 & 1994
  • Carol Gaines
    1995 & 1996
  • Lee Gayle Boettcher
    1997 & 1998
  • Elvie Kingston 1999 & 2000
  • Debbie Riddle
    2001 & 2002
  • Kathleen Bush
    2003 & 2004
  • Betty Anderson
    2005
  • Perky Savage
    2006
  • Gail Stanart
    2007
  • Elvie Kingston
    2008 & 2009
  • Sharon Slover
    2010 & 2011
  • Kay Smith
    2012-2013
  • Elvie Kingston
    2014- 2020
  • Sharon Hemphill
    2021-2022
  • Venita Odom
    2022-2024

Past Speakers

Activists

  • Debbie Reynolds – Singer, Actress
  • Charlton Heston – Actor and Past President NRA
  • David Limbaugh – Attorney, Podcaster and brother of Rush
  • Dave Welch – Texas Pastor Council
  • Dr. Steve Hotze – Conservative Republicans of Texas
  • Dr. Rick Scarborough – Recover America and Recover America Action
  • Christian Collins – Texas Youth Summit
  • Melissa Conway – RNC-Texas Election Integrity State Director,
  • Joanne King Herring – Ambassador to Pakistan Political Activist
  • Professor Jeffrey Addicott – Director, Center for Terrorism Law, St. Mary’s University
  • Christian Clawson – Development Director Refuge for Women Texas Gulf Coast
  • Rick Scarborough – Vision America
  • Catherine Englebrecht – True The Vote
  • Cathie Adams – Eagle Forum
  • Kelly Shackelford – First Liberty
  • Terry Lowry – The Link Letter
  • Jim Graham – Texas Right to Life
  • Alan Vera – True The Vote
  • Dr. Neil Frank – Meteorologist

Federal

  • John Culberson – Congressman
  • Ted Poe – Congressman
  • Tom Delay – Congressman
  • Michael McCaul – Congressman
  • Kevin Brady – Congressman

State

  • Rick Perry – Texas Governor
  • Justice John Devine – Texas Supreme Court
  • Dan Patrick – Lt. Governor of Texas
  • Anita Perry – First Lady of Texas
  • Greg Abbott – Attorney General
  • Glenn Hegar – Texas Comptroller
  • Jane Nelson – State Senator
  • Sam Harless – State Representative
  • Paul Bettencourt – Texas Senator
  • Patricia Harless – State Representative
  • Florence Shapiro – State Senator
  • Allen Fletcher – State Representative
  • Tom Oliverson – State Representative
  • Steve Toth – State Representative
  • Kevin Roberts – Texas State Representative
  • Valoree Swanson – Texas State Representative
  • Mike Schofield – Texas State Representative
  • Lacy Hull – State Representative

Local

  • Officers Randall Jennings and Jeffrey Lee – Constable Mark Herman’s High Tech Crimes Unit
  • Donna Ballard – State Board of Education
  • Terri Leo – State Board of Education
  • Barbara Cargill – State Board of Education
  • Robert Eckels – Harris County Judge
  • Jared Woodfill – Attorney and Past Harris County Republican Chairman
  • Jack Cagle – Harris Co. Commissioner
  • Paul Simpson – Harris County Republican Chairman
  • Tom Oliverson – Texas State Representative

Gallery

Get in Touch

Contact Us

Location

Houston/North Harris County
(near Champion Forest and Stuebner Airline)

Email

vpmembership@ttprw.com

Phone

(281) 231-8307

Being a member of Texas Tea Party Republican Women is truly special. As part of our vibrant community in Houston, Spring, Tomball, and Cypress, Texas, you'll join a group of passionate individuals dedicated to upholding Conservative Christian Principles. We stand united in our unwavering support for Pro-Life, Pro-Family, and Pro-Israel values. Together, we proudly rally behind our troops, fighting for the liberties we hold dear. Join us and make an impact alongside like-minded individuals who believe in the strength of this Constitutional Republic, the Principles on which this country was founded. Together, we can shape a future that aligns with our shared vision. Become a member today and be a part of something extraordinary.

If you would like to print a PDF and send it in, click here.

If you would like to join through our website form and use your credit card, you can fill out one form per person,   click here                                                                            For all forms of payment, please call the number above and leave a message.

 

Committees

There are a variety of committees where your talents can flourish. To help you find the perfect fit, here is a list of our committees and their respective tasks.

  • The Americanism committee is responsible for reminding members about the values America upholds and promoting patriotism through newsletters and meetings.
  • The Awards committee ensures that the board stays informed about activities that have the potential to win awards, managing records and necessary paperwork.
  • The Campaign Activities committee plays a crucial role in encouraging all members to actively participate in campaigns and voter turnout efforts, providing information on candidates and organizing groups.
  • Caring for America focuses on supporting pro-life activities and finding other ways to demonstrate our care for our community.
  • The Communications committee oversees the production of our newsletters, handbooks, and website.
  • The Events committee assists the Events Chair in organizing and executing various events.
  • Fundraising involves both one-time special events and ongoing efforts to sell items, contributing to our financial stability.
  • The Hospitality committee plays a vital role in welcoming and checking in attendees at meetings and events.
  • Meeting Management takes charge of meeting logistics and financial matters in collaboration with the Treasurer.
  • The Membership committee handles telephone communication, outreach, hospitality, and young women outreach, maintains the database and shares information with TFRW. They also recruit and train new members.
  • Legislation aims to enhance communication with legislators, providing important information on bills and legislation at both the Texas and national levels.
  • The Newsletter committee is responsible for designing, writing, and sending monthly newsletters to our members.
  • The Nominations Committee is elected by the Club to provide a slate of nominees for the upcoming board.
  • Outreach plans events to introduce women and men to Republican principles.
  • The Political Action committee recommends the allocation of PAC funds to deserving candidates, appointed by the President.
  • The Programs committee assists the Program Chair with arranging speakers and their gifts.
  • Public Relations assists the PR Chair by crafting articles, announcements, and submitting them, along with pictures, to newspapers and seeking recognition for our awards and community service.
  • Recruitment helps the Executive Board with filling committee positions.
  • The Voter Registration committee recruits and trains voter registrars, and organizes events to create opportunities for voter registration.
  • Young Women Outreach focuses on recruiting young women to join our club.

Additionally, we have standing appointees such as the Historian, responsible for preserving historical files and pictures, and the Webmaster, maintaining our website.

Our Special Committees undertake activities within a limited period for consideration by the Executive Board. These include:

 

  • The Budget committee, which drafts a new budget between the election of the new Executive Board in October and the Executive Board Meeting in January.
  • The Bylaws committee, appointed by the President, reviews and proposes changes as required by TFRW and the Club, with the Parliamentarian as Chair.
  • The Handbook committee researches information about elected officials, prepares a new design, includes pictures, and sells ads.
  • The Internal Review committee conducts a financial records review in January and submits a report in February.
  • The Literacy committee provides books and dictionaries to schools. 
  • Finally, the Scholarship committee recruits and assesses nominees based on high graduation or college needs.
  • Discover where you can make a difference and contribute to the Texas Tea Party Republican Women today!

We operate as a State of Texas Political Action Committee (PAC) and file records with the Texas Ethics Commission twice a year showing income, expenditures, and donors. We're also a member of the National Federation of Republican Women. TEXAS TEA pays dues to both of these organizations for each of our primary members.
To make a donation to our PAC, click here.

Let us know you’re interested, and we’ll be in touch to answer all your questions.