Dittmore Takes Helm of Brevard GOP, Gattle Wins State Committeeman Seat After Fine Resigns

vote conducted to fill vacancy created after removal of former chairman Rick Lacey

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — The Brevard Republican Executive Committee (BREC) elected John Dittmore as its new county chairman during a special election meeting held on November 24.

The vote was conducted to fill the vacancy created after the removal of former chairman Rick Lacey, an action taken under the rules of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF), the RPOF County Model Constitution, and BREC’s bylaws.

Dittmore, a U.S. Navy veteran and retired Canton, Ohio, police officer, previously served on the West Melbourne City Council from 2018 to 2024.

He is also a business owner, insurance agent, president of the Hammock Lakes Homeowners Association, a life member of VFW Post 4206, an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and chair of BREC’s Audit Committee.

The RPOF Executive Director attended the meeting and formally welcomed Dittmore to his new role.

“I am honored to have been elected,” Dittmore said. “Brevard County deserves a strong Republican Party that is transparent and accountable. I look forward to working with our members, volunteers, and elected officials to advance conservative principles and deliver results for our community.”

Dittmore announced he will serve only through December 2026 and does not intend to seek re-election.

He said his focus for the coming year will be restoring stability, ensuring financial transparency, and reinforcing adherence to party rules following the controversies that led to the previous chairman’s removal.

The meeting included internal disagreements over procedural matters, including attempts by some BREC executive board members aligned with the former chairman to hold an alternative meeting. Despite these disruptions, the election proceeded as scheduled.

Randy Fine Resigns; Josiah Gattle Elected State Committeeman

During the same session, State Committeeman Randy Fine formally resigned his position. Members elected Josiah Gattle to fill the vacancy.

Gattle currently serves as chair of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Brevard and is a former president of the Space Coast Young Republicans.

He has also served as a regional director for the Young Republicans National Federation and has participated in several local government and civic boards, including the Space Coast Economic Development Commission, the Brevard County Redistricting Committee, and Rockledge’s Board of Adjustment and Business Development Committee.

He also continues to serve as BREC’s District 2 chair, a non-voting role he may hold concurrently.

“This role allows me to amplify the voices of conservative voters,” Gattle said. “I will work hard to represent the grassroots activists of our party who believe in Making America Great Again through fiscal responsibility and limited government.”

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