Please join us for the monthly meeting of Eastside Republican Club on Tuesday, March 10, at 6:30 PM. We’ll meet at the Hilton Garden Inn, 16630 Redmond Way in Redmond. See the Location page for driving directions, a map, and parking information. Food is available from the Fork and Spoke restaurant in the hotel, which is open from 5-9PM for dinner; you can preview the menu on ZMenu. Please RSVP if you plan to attend! 

Our special guest speakers for March will be Hossein Khorram and Homeira Bakhtiari on a very timely topic — the liberation of Iran.

Homeira Bakhtiari

Since 2017, Homeira Bakhtiari has been actively involved in the United States as a Human Rights advocate, focusing particularly on the quest for freedom in Iran, working alongside fellow advocates who share this vision. She has participated in numerous political and Human Rights organizations, including the Coordinated Front of Fighters and the Fighting Doctors, an organization that operates internationally. She has organized multiple demonstrations in Washington State to protest against oppression by the regime of the Islamic Republic in Iran. She graduated from the Belarusian Dental University in 1998, pursued advanced training in Iran, and is a dentist. 

Hossein Khorram

A longtime friend of ERC, Hossein Khorram is Finance Co-Chair of the Washington State Republican Party and past chair of the KCGOP Finance Committee. He has raised over $2 million for President Trump’s campaigns and worked on many other local and statewide campaigns in Washington. He has been a delegate or alternate to all of the Republican National Conventions from 2012 through 2024. He is co-chair of the American Mideast Coalition for Democracy. 

In addition to his commitment to the Republican Party, Hossein is an outspoken advocate for freedom in Iran. Architect and lead advocate for the proposed U.S. House Middle East Caucus, he has lobbied members of Congress to pass legislation condemning Islamic Republic of Iran’s human right violations. Hossein has appeared on numerous international television and radio programs and in print media since 2002, including Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, BBC, Al Jazeera, NPR, Sonntage Zeitung (Switzerland), KIRO TV, Seattle Times, and Bellevue Reporter, both in Farsi and English, providing analysis of current issues and commentary, condemning terrorism and the Islamic Regime. He is a four-time delegate for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (“AIPAC”).

We are anxious to hear from Hossein and Homeira about their work on restoring freedom to Iran and the current efforts by President Trump and our military to bring that about.

Please RSVP!

If you plan to attend the meeting, please click RSVP to register, and pay online in advance. The cost is $20 per person, but if you pay online in advance you get a 10% discount (just $18). College Republicans and Young Republicans can attend for half price (just $10). These funds go toward covering the cost of our meeting space, including free underground parking. Food is available from the Fork and Spoke restaurant in the hotel, which is open from 5-9PM for dinner; you can preview the menu on ZMenu.

Membership Renewal for 2026

In case you haven’t already done so, it’s time to renew your membership for 2026 as well. Membership prices are still only $25 Basic, $50 Silver, $100 Gold, and $250 Platinum. You can join or renew your membership on the Join page.

Please join us for the monthly meeting of Eastside Republican Club on Tuesday, February 10, at 6:30 PM. We’ll meet at the Hilton Garden Inn, 16630 Redmond Way in Redmond. See the Location page for driving directions, a map, and parking information. Food is available from the Fork and Spoke restaurant in the hotel, which is open from 5-9PM for dinner; you can preview the menu on ZMenu. Please RSVP if you plan to attend! 

Our special guest speakers for February will be Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank, and Tasha Mae of Advocacy Queen.

Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank

Sheriff Keith Swank is a retired Seattle police officer who now serves as the elected Sheriff of Pierce County.

In 2006, as a Sergeant, Swank played a pivotal role in de-escalating a tense hostage situation involving a mass shooter at the Seattle Jewish Federation, using tactical communication to diffuse the threat and secure a peaceful surrender. In 2020, he commanded the SWAT team responsible for clearing and securing the CHOP/CHAZ zone during the Seattle riots. Swank also managed 911 emergency response operations, overseeing a team of more than 100 personnel. As a Captain, he also commanded the Metro Special Response Section, which included SWAT, Harbor Patrol, Canine Unit, and the Arson Bomb Squad.

Keith enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 18 and graduated from Ranger School, Airborne School, and High-Altitude Low Opening (HALO) training. After being honorably discharged from Fort Lewis, he attained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Washington. Sheriff Swank is a graduate of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and the Northwest Law Enforcement Command College.

The Sheriff will address the latest legislation affecting sheriffs in our state.

Tasha Mae of Advocacy Queen

Tasha Mae is widely recognized for her influential advocacy work and her mission to support individuals facing systemic barriers. Based in Washington state, she has spent nearly two decades in the nonprofit sector, specializing in housing stability, employment advocacy, and self-sufficiency coaching. Her work is deeply personal, shaped by her own lived experiences and a desire to help others navigate complex systems with confidence and dignity.

Her public profile first grew through pageantry, where she made history as the first Black recipient of a Global Beauty Award—often referred to as the “Oscars” of pageantry. Over the years, she earned multiple national and international titles, including Miss Plus America 2010, Miss American Beauties Plus Elite 2015, and the 2020 world title of Mrs. Curvé Globe. Her modeling and pageant career led to features in major publications such as PEOPLE, Essence, and Seattle Met, and she became a sought-after pageant coach, judge, and show producer.

In 2022, Tasha Mae published her first book, Choose You, Change Your Path, Walk in Your Purpose, chronicling her three-year healing journey from trauma and her path toward personal transformation. She later founded Advocacy Queen, an initiative blending her experiences as a single mother, nonprofit volunteer, and community leader to provide no cost advocacy for individuals struggling to access essential services. Her work has since evolved into a movement centered on empowerment, independence, and breaking cycles of disadvantage.

Today, Tasha Mae continues to inspire through public speaking, community leadership, and digital influence. Her story—highlighted in interviews and media features—reflects a journey from hardship to purpose, marked by resilience, service, and a commitment to lifting others as she rises.

Please RSVP!

If you plan to attend the meeting, please click RSVP to register, and pay online in advance. The cost is $15 per person ($10 for College Republicans and Young Republicans) to cover the cost of the meeting space. Food is available from the Fork and Spoke restaurant in the hotel, which is open from 5-9PM for dinner; you can preview the menu on ZMenu.

Membership Renewal for 2026

It’s time for everyone to renew your membership for 2026 as well. Membership prices are still only $25 Basic, $50 Silver, and $100 Gold. Please renew today so you don’t forget! You can join or renew your membership on the Join page.

Just a reminder that there will be no ERC meeting in November. Please take the time to remember our Veterans on November 11. Registration for the Annual Holiday Dinner will be available soon!

Please join us for the monthly meeting of Eastside Republican Club on Tuesday, October 14, at 6:30 PM. We’ll meet at the Hilton Garden Inn, 16630 Redmond Way in Redmond. See the Location page for driving directions, a map, and parking information. Food is available from the Fork and Spoke restaurant in the hotel, which is open from 5-9PM for dinner; you can preview the menu on ZMenu. Please RSVP if you plan to attend! 

Our special guests this month are Jim Walsh, chair of the Washington State Republican Party, and Brian Heywood of Let’s Go Washington!

WAGOP Chair Rep. Jim Walsh

 Jim has represented the 19th Legislative District in the Washington State House since 2016, when he stunned state politics by becoming the first Republican that LD19 had sent to Olympia in decades. While some media outlets focused on him breaking a “Blue Wall” in a traditionally Democrat district, Jim explains his election—and subsequent re-elections—in nonpartisan terms: “The people of LD19 don’t care so much about Republican or Democrat. They just want someone who will represent them and their values with passion and energy.”

In 2020, 2022, and 2024, Jim was re-elected with more than 60 percent of the vote and, more importantly, helped turned his region “Red” by organizing and supporting a wave election of conservative legislators, county commissioners and local officials. Jim has served in leadership positions on various policy and budget committees in the WA House: Ranking Member on the State Government and Tribal Relations Committee, Assistant Ranking Member on the Transportation Committee and—most recently— Ranking Member on the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee. He has also served on the House Education, Capital Budget, Human Services and Rural Development, Agriculture & Natural Resources Committees.

During his nine years in the legislature, Jim has received Legislator of the Year awards from numerous groups—including Citizens Alliance for Property Rights (CAPR), Citizens’ Voice, Gunowners of America, Permanent Offense and Hunters’ Heritage Foundation. In 2022, he received the Washington State Republican Party’s Kemper Freeman Courage Award for his work articulating common-sense, conservative values.

Aside from his work in the legislature, Jim owns and operates Silver Lake Publishing—a technical publisher that specializes in insurance, risk management, cyber security, asset protection and related nonfiction topics.

We look forward to hearing from Jim about the upcoming election and state issues. We’ll also hear from other state and local Republican candidates!

Brian Heywood of Let’s Go Washington

Brian is the co-chief executive of Taiyo Pacific Partners, a hedge fund management firm. He has extensive experience in finance and has worked with various companies, including JD Power and Citibank. Fluent in Japanese, Heywood has a deep understanding of Japanese corporate practices, which he developed during his time working abroad in Asia. 

Brian has funded multiple initiatives aimed at reversing policies enacted by the Democrat-controlled legislature. His political committee, Let’s Go Washington, has been instrumental in gathering signatures for several high-profile initiatives, including efforts to repeal the state’s cap-and-trade law, ban income taxes, and amend police pursuit regulations. He is known for his belief in free-market principles.

Brian operates a 45-acre farm in Redmond where he grows hay and produces apple cider and honey. 

We look forward to hearing from Brian about the 2025 crop of initiatives, including IL26-001 (Stregthen Communication Between Parents and Schools) and IL26-638 (Protect Fairness in Girl’s Sports). 

Please RSVP!

If you plan to attend the meeting, please click RSVP to register, and pay online in advance. The cost is $15 per person ($10 for College Republicans and Young Republicans) to cover the cost of the meeting space. Food is available from the Fork and Spoke restaurant in the hotel, which is open from 5-9PM for dinner; you can preview the menu on ZMenu.

Save the Date for our Annual Holiday Dinner!

The ERC Annual Holiday Dinner will be on Friday, December 5, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Redmond. More info coming soon including registration. Please mark the date on your calendar and plan to attend! 

Please join us for the monthly meeting of Eastside Republican Club on Tuesday, September 9, at 6:30 PM. We’ll meet at the Hilton Garden Inn, 16630 Redmond Way in Redmond. See the Location page for driving directions, a map, and parking information. Food is available from the Fork and Spoke restaurant in the hotel, which is open from 5-9PM for dinner; you can preview the menu on ZMenu. Please RSVP if you plan to attend! 

Our special guest speakers for September will be Sarah Garriott of the Pierce County chapter of Moms for Liberty and the Parents United PAC, and former Island County Republican chair Tim Hazelo.

Sarah Garriott on the Fight for Parent’s Rights

Sarah has been happily married to her husband, Jonathan, for 24 years. They have been small, independent business owners for about 15 years. Together, they have three children, the youngest of whom Sarah is still homeschooling. As a fourth-generation Washingtonian, Sarah loves this state and its people and knows that it’s worth peacefully fighting for.

Sarah has a BA in German Language Studies with a minor in Spanish. She also spent time studying and working abroad in China, Israel, and Germany. She served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Switzerland before returning to Seattle to study Translation and Interpretation. Sarah worked in the field of Translation and Interpretation in Seattle as a manager of interpreter coordinating and training for hospitals, courts, and corporations until her first child was born.

Upon experiencing the alarming changes in Washington’s public education system, she founded a Moms For Liberty Chapter in Pierce County two years ago, and the Parents United PAC last year. 

Update from Tim Hazelo

At the meeting, we will also receive an update from Tim Hazelo, former chair of the Island County Republican Party. Tim was convicted of felony trespass for his refusal to wear a mask while serving as an election observer in the Island County Elections Office last fall, in a blatant case of lawfare and politically-motivated overreach by an out-of-control county prosecuting attorney. Come hear how Tim is continuing to fight this abuse!

Please RSVP!

If you plan to attend the meeting, please click RSVP to register, and pay online in advance. The cost is $15 per person ($10 for College Republicans and Young Republicans) to cover the cost of the meeting space. Food is available from the Fork and Spoke restaurant in the hotel, which is open from 5-9PM for dinner; you can preview the menu on ZMenu.