Op-Ed: Why I made the switch from Democrat to Republican by Joe Watkins

By Joe Watkins

After much reflection and prayer, I’ve decided to change my voter registration from Democrat to Republican. This isn’t a decision I’ve taken lightly, nor is it about political scorekeeping. It’s about realignment—about bringing my values into full alignment with the policies and principles I believe can best serve the people of Davidson County.

Let me be clear: this isn’t an attack on the Democratic Party. I have deep respect for many individuals in the party and appreciate the positive work they’ve done. In fact, I believe most people—regardless of political affiliation—hold more in common than we’re often led to believe. There are actions and policies from both parties that I’ve agreed with, and there are some I’ve disagreed with. I’m not switching sides to join a fight—I’m stepping forward to build bridges and find solutions.

Over the years, I’ve found my values leaning more toward conservative ideals—on things like economic responsibility, strong families, community safety, and personal accountability. But I still hold space for some views that are often considered more traditionally liberal, such as protecting civil rights and ensuring fairness in opportunity. The beauty of real leadership is in knowing you don’t have to fit into a box to make a difference—you just have to be willing to speak the truth, do the work, and care deeply about the people you serve.

Some might assume that switching to the Republican Party means embracing radical or extreme positions. I reject that idea. Being Republican doesn’t make you an extremist—it makes you someone who believes in personal freedom, faith-based values, and economic empowerment. And while I may stand on conservative ground today, I still believe in the power and necessity of having conversations across the aisle. Our communities aren’t built by echo chambers—they’re built by people who are willing to sit down, listen, and lead.

I’m making this move because I believe Davidson County needs leaders who will bring people together—not divide them. I plan to run for Davidson County Commissioner with a mission to improve the lives of our citizens. This is not about partisanship—it’s about partnership. My commitment is to the residents of Davidson County, not a party platform.

At the heart of my vision are three core pillars: housing, economic development, and jobs. We must ensure affordable housing is available for working families. We need to create economic conditions that welcome entrepreneurs and support existing small businesses.

And we need to attract and retain quality jobs so that our young people have a reason to stay, work, and raise families in the communities that raised them.

This transition isn’t about abandoning one side—it’s about growing into a space where I can lead with authenticity and effectiveness. I believe this is where I can do the most good. And I hope, whether Democrat, Republican, or Unaffiliated, we can continue to talk, work together, and put our community above all else.