Man makes history as first African-American chairman of North Carolina GOP
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- When Republicans gathered in Raleigh two weeks ago for the party's GOP convention the marquee names were the big story. Presidential contenders like Ted Cruz, Scott Walker, and Donald Trump all vied for attention, but it was little-known Hasan Harnett who ended up making history.
"You know this party first loved me, and I'm excited to be at the leadership realm of this party," said Harnett.
Convention delegates voted and Harnett became the chairman of North Carolina GOP. He's the first African-American to hold the post in the party's 148-year history.
It was an unlikely win. The Republican establishment -- from Raleigh to Washington -- endorsed Harnett's rival, Craig Collins, for chairman.
So how did Harnett do it?
"I had a focus -- a passion for winning," he said.
Grassroots campaigning also played a role. Harnett worked the phones winning over diehard Republicans.
"I crisscrossed the state traveling to different events and letting people know who I am as a person," said Harnett.
Who he is a husband and father of three who moved to North Carolina in 2005. His last voter registration back then was as a Democrat.
"When I came to North Carolina, I didn't have any political affiliations," said Harnett. "I was busy raising my family, working on business."
He switched to Republican in 2008. He's a proponent of traditional family values and less government.
He now takes the helm of a party in full control of state government but focused on 2016. Part of his strategy is crafting a message for black voters who have overwhelmingly supported Democrats in modern history.
"I've received backlash," said Harnett. "Someone says you're a Republican? It's like 'Yeah I am. Is there a problem with that?"
So is this a turning point for the Republican Party when it comes to being attractive to black families?
"I believe so," said Harnett. "The energy that we've created is already spreading like wildfire."
While Harnett did not get Gov. Pat McCrory's endorsement in the race for party chair, he said the first call he received after winning was from the governor offering congratulations and pledging to work together to grow the party.
