Sewell Headlines Paulding County Republican Fall Banquet
The Paulding County Republican Party welcomed local and state party leaders, candidates and guests Thursday, Oct. 1, for its 2026 Fall Banquet in Paulding at the OSU Extension Building at the fairgrounds. An evening that featured a full slate of speakers and concluded with keynote remarks from Detroit pastor, author and community leader Lorenzo Sewell.
Paulding County Republican Chairwoman Laurie Lucas welcomed those attending the banquet. The opening ceremonies included the National Anthem by Gina Campbell, 1st District State Central Committeewoman; the Pledge of Allegiance led by Putnam County student Chase Maag; a moment of silence for service members serving overseas and their families; and an invocation by Dave Cline. A delicious dinner was provided by Grant’s Catering.
The evening’s program included State Rep. Roy Klopfenstein and candidate for U.S. Representative 9th district Derek Merrin, along with Ohio Supreme Court candidates Colleen O’Donnell and Dan Hawkins.
Other speakers and guests appearing on the program included Gabe Guidarini, Ohio field representative for Turning Point Action; Ohio treasurer candidate Jay Edwards; Benjamin Nguyen, a member of the Lakota Local Schools Board; and Gary Cates, 4th District State Central Committeeman. Nguyen is only 19 years old and was elected to his school board seat last year at only 18 years old!
The featured speaker was Lorenzo Sewell, senior pastor of 180 Church in Detroit, MI. Sewell has been active in faith-based community initiatives and Republican politics and delivered a prayer during President Donald Trump’s 2025 presidential inauguration. His church also hosted Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign. Sewell has appeared on national television and other media programs discussing faith, politics and community issues. He gave a rousing speech during the banquet impressing upon attendees that our battle isn’t Republican vs Democrat and the importance of going to the polls for Election Day and not to rely on the integrity of absentee ballots.
Sewell is also the author of Faith and Politics, a book examining the intersection of spirituality and political engagement. His community work includes founding THEM — Transportation, Housing, Education and Mental Illness — an initiative designed to address community issues through partnerships with organizations including the Detroit City Council and Wayne State University. He also co-founded Diversity N-U, an organization focused on cultural transformation.
Fundraising activities were also part of the evening, including the traditional Paulding County pie auction with Paulding County Sheriff, Jason Landers serving as auctioneer for Anna Lee Adams’ and Jackie Hyman’s infamous baking skills. The program also featured a German Chocolate Cake made by Teresa Williamson, an auction of a handmade quilt donated and made by R. E.A. Henney, and a silent auction.
The event was supported by youth sponsors Roy Klopfenstein and Craig Riedel; platinum sponsors Troth Law Office, Cliff and Laurie Lucas, Terry and Lisa McClure, Klopfenstein, Riedel and Timothy Coy–Patriot Academy; and silver sponsors Rex and Teresa Williamson.
Check out all the highlights and watch Lorenzo Sewell’s speech on 3N Live facebook page with James Orozco, by scanning the QR code here!
