The idea for the Greater Cleveland Young Republicans Club (GCYRs) originated in 1952, and the group held its first organizational meeting in 1953. In that same year the GCYRs chartered with the Ohio League of Young Republicans, which represents YR groups from all over the state of Ohio. Today, our organization celebrates over fifty years of service to the Republican cause in Cuyahoga County and the surrounding areas.The GCYRs first began meeting in the home of Mr. Tex Phillips, one of the original founders of the club. From Tex’s home in Lakewood (a nearby suburb of Cleveland), the club grew and membership was booming. The GCYRs started with over 100 members and attendance toped over 70 people on average per meeting. At one point, in 1962 under GCYR President Bill Fortner, the group had nearly 1,000 members! The governor and various elected officials were regular visitors to GCYR events. Former Senator George Bender would host a pool party and picnic at his home for GCYR members. Francis Bolton was also a regular contributor to the group.

In it third year of existence, the group won the award for the Outstanding Young Republican Club in the United States. The members flew to Washington, DC to accept an award from then Vice-President Richard Nixon. Notable past members include: Ohio Republican Chairman Bob Bennett, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Terrence O’Donnell, and Senator George V. Voinovich and his wife Janet (who met in the GCYRs).  Also included are many current and former judges, elected officials, and current members of the Cuyahoga County Republican Party.

The group remained active in the 50s and 60s, but was reinvigorated again in the 1980s with the Reagan Revolution. In the late 1980s, the GCYRs had strong Presidents like State Representative Jim Trakas.  The group continued its political work in the 1990s. The election of Clinton also sparked a renewed interest in the group and set membership at a high point.  Today, the GCYRs sponsor monthly membership meetings, monthly happy hours, a semiannual memorial golf outing, participate in national young republican events, and host events for republicans statewide. 

The GCYRs continue to provide social, educational, and political activities for Young Republicans in the greater Cleveland area. The main focus of the GCYRs still is to advance the Republican cause and work diligently to help our candidates on all levels.