After Selma Mayor Tells GOP To ‘Mind Your Business,’ County Republicans Fire Back

SELMA — The Johnston County Republican Party is pushing back after Selma Mayor Byron McAllister criticized the party during his inaugural address last week, telling county Republicans to “mind your business” and accusing outside political groups of interfering in the town’s municipal elections.

In a statement provided Tuesday, Johnston County GOP Chair Marshall Conrad said McAllister’s comments ignored what he described as the real impact of the mayor’s policies on Selma residents.

“Mayor McAllister has hurt many longtime residents of Selma with skyrocketing property taxes and unaffordable utility deposits,” Conrad said. “The JCGOP supported Republican Adele Walker this cycle and while we tried to remain civil in this past election, I am not so sure future Republican boards can let these costly decisions go unanswered.”

McAllister, who won reelection in November, used his Dec. 9 swearing-in speech to criticize both the Johnston County Republican Party and progressive organizing group Down Home North Carolina, saying he opposed outside influence in Selma’s local elections.

“JoCo Republican Party – we haven’t heard a word from you in years, now you’re interested? Mind your business,” McAllister said during the address.

Conrad said involvement in local races is central to the party’s mission and suggested future election cycles may be more openly contested.

“Getting Republicans elected is our business. It’s our top priority,” Conrad said.

The GOP chairman closed his statement with a biblical reference directed at the mayor. “I’ll just leave the Mayor with Proverbs 16:18, ‘Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.'” 

McAllister’s inaugural address was marked by sharp criticism of his election opponent, former local officials and what he described as poor communication within town government, alongside praise for Selma’s growth and development.

The exchange underscores lingering political tensions following a contentious election season and signals that Republican party involvement in future municipal races in Selma may intensify.