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Republican Party Making Strides in the Mon Valley

Don is a disabled Navy Veteran, having joined the Navy at 17, and is a graduate of Clairton High School. Served 14 years as a Navigator, Officer, shiphandling instructor, and Navy Recruiter in McKeesport during the 80s.

By Mike FerenceThere was a time in the Mon Valley when a person coming out of the political closet to announce their independent registered voter status would be mocked and ridiculed. At the same time, the few lone Republicans knew it was better to stay silent.But, as Bob Dylan so concisely mumbled decades ago, “These times, they are A-Changin’.”According to Don Nevills, when Jason Richey won the seat for Chairman of the Republican Committee of Allegheny County (RCAC), everything changed, beginning with the direction of the Republican Party in Allegheny County. Nevills was asked to serve as District Coordinator for the Allegheny County District 9, Republican Committees. Not only did Nevills say yes. But he organized the first Republican Committees in the Mon Valley in over 60 years.“I started with Clairton, because that is where I live. Also, South Allegheny, where there are 3,500 registered Republicans, Nevills stated. White Oak, with 2,800 registered Republicans, has had a Committee for years.Nevills also founded the Mon Valley Republican Committee in McKeesport before he was forced to resign as Director Coordinator for District 9 due to family issues. Nevills remains Chairman of the Clairton Republican Committee. He is tired of seeing the Mon Valley continually decline while electing the same people. “The corruption runs deep. Allegheny County is the last holdout for the Good Ole’ Boys club mentality, he adds.”Having run for PA 35 State Representative in 2020, 2022, and 2023, Nevills knows firsthand that chances to win as a Republican are slim. So, how are things changing?Jason Richey, as the Chairman of the RCAC, talked before the Mon Valley Republican Committee for the first time in 60 years. With the Republican Committees established, our voices are being heard and taken into account on a monthly basis.“What’s happening on a national level is now happening in the Mon Valley, Nevills proudly states. “We want honest politicians, accountability, and transparency for all citizens,” he stated. “All we want is what is best for the people, not a party.

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