Former RI GOP Chair John Holmes Jr. Dies

Former RI GOP Chair John Holmes Jr. Dies

Former Rhode Island Republican Party Chair John Holmes Jr. has died.  He was 74 years old.

“We are saddened to hear about the passing of former Chairman John Holmes, and the entire Republican Party of Rhode Island sends heartfelt condolences to his family. When John served as chairman, he sent waves across Rhode Island by recruiting and electing a record number of Republicans to the legislature,” said RI GOP Chair Joe Powers on Wednesday. 

“He was also instrumental in getting former Governor Lincoln Almond elected in 1994. We thank him for his commitment and service to the Republican Party of Rhode Island,” he added. 

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Holmes, who served as the chairman of the state GOP in the 1980s, had run for Congress in 1986; he lost to Ferland “Freddie” St Germain. 

 In 1988, Holmes was the Republican front-runner, but his campaign failed to file his declaration papers on time and a little-known Republican, Ron Machtley, won the GOP nomination. 

Machtley then upset St Germain, by then the powerhouse Democrat Chairman of the House Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs.

“I mourn the passing of my personal friend, John Holmes, who served the Rhode Island Republican Party with honor, dignity and integrity.  John was always a gentleman, had a great sense of humor, and was a worthy adversary who treated everyone with great respect.  He will be sorely missed by so many on the political scene, regardless of party affiliation,”  said Joe Shekarchi, Speaker of the House.