NCGOP Hires New Press Secretary And Makes Other Staff Changes

Raleigh, NC - The North Carolina Republican Party has hired Livy Polen to serve as the Press Secretary. Tim Wigginton is being promoted to Communications Director. The Party is also promoting Sarah Newby to Political Director and Phil Thomas will serve as the Party’s Chief Counsel and Strategy Director. 

“We are excited to expand our team at the NCGOP to help keep North Carolina red,” said NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley. “North Carolina Republicans racked up substantial victories in 2020 and will our new staff additions and promotions we intend to rack up even more wins for conservatives in 2022.”

NCGOP New Hires And Promotions

Livy Polen (@LivyPolen) will be joining the NCGOP as the Press Secretary. Livy Polen is from Gaston County, NC, and graduated from UNC- Chapel Hill where she worked as a columnist for the Daily Tar Heel. After graduating from UNC- Chapel Hill, Livy served in the White House Office of Political Affairs under the Trump Administration. At the NCGOP, Livy will help drive conservative messages across North Carolina by working with reporters and media outlets across North Carolina.  

Sarah Newby is being promoted to Political Director. Sarah Newby is from Raleigh, NC, and graduated from North Carolina State University. Sarah first came on staff at the North Carolina Republican Party as the first-ever Director of Judicial Elections. While in that role, she also became our Candidate Coordinator and led the history-making clean sweep of eight statewide judicial elections. In her new role, Sarah will work with Republican leaders and candidates across North Carolina and play a vital role in leading conservatives to victory to keep North Carolina red. 

Tim Wigginton (@WiggintonTim) is being promoted to Communications Director. Tim Wigginton served as the Press Secretary during the 2020 cycle and will largely continue his duties communicating with the media and shaping the message. Before coming to the North Carolina Republican Party, Wigginton worked as a field researcher for America Rising and accomplished his goal of eating at every Cookout in North Carolina. Tim will continue to serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries. 

Philip Thomas is now the Chief Counsel & Legislative Strategy Director 

Philip Thomas is a graduate of UNC-Charlotte and Campbell Law School. He has previously worked in every branch of NC state government and prior to joining the NCGOP staff, was the Deputy General Counsel of the NC Department of Public Instruction. During the 2020 election, Philip led the NCGOP's fight for election integrity and played a pivotal role in ensuring every legal vote was counted during the multiple recounts. In addition to legal work, Philip will also be focusing on Republican strategy for policy and legislative objectives.