From the Red, White & Blue Out to Penn State’s White Out: Republicans Build Momentum in Centre County

STATE COLLEGE, PA — The Centre County Republican Committee’s Great American Red, White & Blue Out celebrated America’s 250th year while uniting freedom-loving neighbors, friends, and GOP supporters for an evening of energy, camaraderie, and patriotic pride on Sept. 25.

“The Great American Red, White & Blue Out was more than a celebration — it was a critical fundraiser that provides us with the resources we need to support GOP candidates, expand voter outreach, and defend our values throughout Centre County,” said CCRC Chair Michelle Schellberg. “Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are stronger and better prepared for the battles ahead.”

Building Momentum for the Future

Attendees rallied around shared values and the mission of strengthening voter-registration and election-integrity efforts in Centre County.

“The energy here shows what we can accomplish together going forward,” said CCRC Vice Chair Ken Layng.

The Red, White & Blue Out is set to become an annual tradition — both a fundraiser for the local GOP and a rallying point for those committed to driving the conservative movement forward.

“This isn’t just about one fundraising event — it’s about working together to build a permanent Republican majority in Centre County,” said GOP precinct chair Felicia Dionisio Hetzman.

Early Vote Action

Conservative activist Scott Presler and his Early Vote Action team highlighted strategies to expand Republican voter-registration gains in Pennsylvania.

Presler urged attendees to oppose the retention of three Democrat justices on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, citing past rulings on COVID shutdowns and election law.

“If you want justice and accountability, you vote ‘no’ to these people,” Presler said. “With a simple majority, you can remove three Democrats from the court in one election. That has never been done.”

He also praised GOP judicial candidates Maria Battista, running for Superior Court, and Matt Wolford, running for Commonwealth Court.

Turning Point Action

Representatives from Turning Point Action, founded by Charlie Kirk, also joined the Red, White & Blue Out. The group has become a major grassroots force, empowering conservatives to run for local office, equipping voters with key election information, and mobilizing students across college campuses.

Turning Point USA at Beaver Stadium

That same weekend, Kirk’s Turning Point USA hosted a massive tailgate at Penn State’s White Out game against Oregon on Sept. 27.

Conservative influencer Benny Johnson was interviewed live during the event by Fox News, while Presler’s Early Vote Action team registered new voters on site.

Cliff Maloney of Citizens Alliance Pennsylvania and conservative activist Kevin Posobiec were among the volunteers who gave away 5,000 white “FREEDOM” T-shirts as crowds of students and fans chanted “USA, USA!”

Other high-profile tailgaters included U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, Penn State wrestling legend Bo Nickal, businessman Tony Bobulinski, State Sen. Cris Dush, and GOP gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity.