JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A legal dispute between a former Jacksonville City Councilmember and the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) is unfolding in Duval County courts over exclusive rights to the word “Republican.”
Robin Lumb, who also served on the Duval County Republican Executive Committee (REC), filed a lawsuit against the RPOF and its chairman, Evan Power, after his removal from the REC.
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Lumb is challenging both his ousting and the party’s enforcement of rules regulating the use of its name, abbreviations, and symbols.
The RPOF claims its actions are supported by state law, citing Florida Statute 103.081, which allows political parties to register their name, abbreviation, and symbol for exclusive use.
The party says it has registered “Republican” with the Florida Department of State and enforces rules, including RPOF Rule 1, that prohibits unauthorized use of the party’s name.
According to the RPOF, Lumb’s organization, the Duval Conservative Republican Assembly (DCRA), violated these rules by using the term “Republican” without permission. The grievance against Lumb was filed in July 2024 by the Duval REC chairman and reviewed by the RPOF Grievance Committee, which unanimously recommended his removal.
Chairman Power upheld the decision, and the RPOF barred Lumb from holding any party position for two years, citing violations of branding and membership rules.
In his lawsuit, Lumb seeks reinstatement to his REC position and argues the RPOF cannot claim exclusive rights to the word “Republican.” He asserts that the term has historical significance and cannot be trademarked by the party.
Lumb also contends that his removal violated Florida Statute 103.141, which governs the removal of county executive committee members.
“This will be a landmark case in Florida,” Lumb said in a phone interview with News4JAX.
The RPOF, however, argues this statute does not apply because Lumb was removed by the state executive committee, not for an oath violation as outlined in the law.
The RPOF maintains that its rules are consistent with state law and that political parties have the constitutional right to govern their internal affairs. Citing freedom of association, the party argues it can establish and enforce rules for membership and leadership, with disputes over party governance deemed nonjusticiable.
Lumb told News4JAX that a hearing was held on Jan. 27, where a judge denied a motion to dismiss the case, allowing it to move forward. However, the Duval County Clerk has not yet updated court records online for independent verification.
The court’s decision could have far-reaching implications for how political parties regulate their branding and enforce compliance with party rules.
The Republican Party of Florida and Evan Power did not respond to requests for comment.
