Why RPAC? + Thank You Major Donors
The Realtor advocacy program takes a team, and an important part of that team is RPAC. RPAC is the REALTORS® Political Action Committee.
In effect, RPAC is a joint account to which Realtors make an annual deposit so that your industry can support the campaigns of candidates for public office who share your values about real estate. During election season, RPAC screens candidates about their position on real estate issues, and only real estate issues. Realtor members conduct the screening and make recommendations about candidates to your association’s board of directors (also Realtors). RPAC focuses on three key issues:
- Protect private property rights
- Make housing attainable and affordable
- Preserve a healthy marketplace for real estate
I want to recognize and thank the team of members that supported RPAC in 2024:
RPAC Hall of Fame ($25,000+ Lifetime)
- Don Cleveland, BuyHartwellLake, LLC
- Rusty Garrett, BHHS C. Dan Joyner
- Lorraine Harding, Lorraine Harding Real Estate
- Andy Lee, Lake Keowee Real Estate
- Carolann Newton, Jackson Stanley REALTORS
- Francine Powers, Southern Real Estate Development
- Justin Winter, Justin Winter Sothesby’s International Realty
President’s Circle + Golder R Level
- Reah Smith, Lake Keowee Real Estate
Major Investors (more than $1,000)
- Dianna Brouthers, Western Upstate Association of REALTORS®
- Bob Fedder, Axcent Realty
- Catherine Hamby, Re/Max Results-Clemson
- Lorraine Harding, Lorraine Harding Real Estate
- Peggy Hill, Western Upstate Association of REALTORS®
- Andy Lee, Lake Keowee Real Estate
- Carolann Newton, Jackson Stanley Real Estate
- Brenda Poling-Chandler, RE/MAX Realty Professionals
- Francine Powers, Southern Real Estate Development
About RPAC
Support RPAC
You and your association can influence how your government affects you and regulates your industry.
Elections are an important way that your association represents you and helps make a strong market for real estate. Elections are also an important way that you participate in your government. Your association’s objective is to help elect candidates who share the Realtor position that a vibrant and healthy real estate market is vital to a vibrant and healthy economy. Of course, you must balance your personal and business interests when you vote.
More than 90% of Realtors in the Western Upstate are registered to vote, which is amazing. But just 32% supported RPAC in 2024.
You can help your industry by supporting RPAC. It’s easy. Your association includes a voluntary contribution to RPAC on your annual dues invoice. Pay it, and you are an RPAC supporter. If you haven’t supported RPAC this year, I encourage you to do so by clicking here.
Walhalla Special Election Results
Speaking of elections, according to media reports, the unofficial results of the Walhalla special election are in, and Jessie Bunning and Lynn McClain defeated three other candidates in the special election to fill two seats on Walhalla City Council. I’ll report on the official results next week.
Michael Dey, Director of Government Affairs