Something is stirring in Cobb County.
After a short and spirited election and following just weeks of grassroots momentum building behind the scenes, Mary Clarice Hathaway has officially been elected as the new Chairwoman of the Cobb County Republican Party. Hathaway is replacing outgoing Chair Salleigh Grubbs, who has faithfully served in the role since 2021.
Grubb’s service was honored by Representative Devan Seabaugh (HD-34), who presented her with House Resolution 420, formally recognizing her outstanding dedication to the GOP and the people of Cobb County.
Mary Clarice Hathaway’s victory comes after a competitive race that included two well known and respected candidates: Sophia Farooq and Dr. Fun Fong. Both candidates brought passion, leadership, dedication, and a deep love for the Republican cause in Cobb County.
Hathaway was quick to acknowledge the contributions of both of her opponents and expressed her desire to build bridges moving forward.
“There’s room for everyone at the table,” she said. “I’m grateful for those who have served and continue to serve. We are stronger when we work together, and I look forward to finding ways to unify and build on the great work that’s already been done.”
A Life Rooted in Faith, Family, and Service
Mary Clarice Hathaway is no stranger to hard work or dedication. Married to her husband Jeff for 17 years and a proud mother of six and grandmother of six (with another grandbaby on the way), she has lived in the Cobb/Kennesaw area for 14 years. She’s a lifelong learner, holding a bachelor’s degree in Communication and a master’s in Public Administration with a focus on Political Management.
She’s worn many hats over the years—entrepreneur, political volunteer, Fox News intern, poll watcher, and most importantly, a mother. She’s run marathons on every continent, raised a tight-knit family, and built relationships in every corner of this community.
And now, she’s stepping into the role of Chairwoman—not because she sought it out, but because she felt called.
“This was thrown in my lap, and I said yes,” she told Cobb Voice. “Cobb is at a crossroads. We need to start taking action so that it continues to be a place where families and all people can live and thrive.”
A Vision for Unity and Action
Hathaway’s message isn’t about tearing anything down—it’s about building something stronger. She recognizes the work that has gone before her and is deeply respectful of those who’ve carried the torch through challenging seasons.
Still, she knows there’s more to be done.
“I believe that there needs to be more unity within the Cobb GOP,” she said. “There are several great organizations that feed into the party, and we need to come together so that we can work more effectively.”
Her focus? Results. Winning elections. Supporting strong, principled candidates. And doing it all as a united front.
“We are better together than we are divided,” she added.
Why She Stepped Up
When asked why she chose to run, Hathaway was clear: something stirred in her spirit.
“You can only be frustrated for so long before you either stop complaining or become part of the solution,” she said. “If God was calling me to do something, I wanted to be ready to say yes.”
She brings with her nearly two decades of leadership experience in business, education, and community engagement. And she believes her background as a mother and entrepreneur has prepared her for this moment.
“Politics isn’t rocket science—but leading people and stewarding an organization takes real skill,” she said. “I’ve spent years learning how to understand people and work with a wide range of personalities. I want to bring that same spirit of collaboration and purpose to the Cobb GOP.”
A Fresh Perspective, A Strong Team
One of the things Hathaway is most proud of so far? The team she’s assembled.
In just two weeks, she’s pulled together what she describes as a dynamic, well-rounded leadership slate—spanning ages, races, professional experience, and areas across Cobb County. The team includes individuals with corporate experience, strong political backgrounds, and deep community roots.
Jeffrey Hathaway, Jr. – 1st Vice-Chair
Andre Stafford – Vice-Chair of Communications and Information
Tom Spencer – Vice-Chair of Events
Rich Carithers – Vice-Chair of Grassroots and Membership
Scott Brandenburg– Treasurer
Skyler Akins – Asst. Treasurer
Arielle Kurtz – Secretary
“I may be the new kid on the block in terms of deep involvement in the Cobb GOP,” she said, “but I think that’s one of my greatest assets. A fresh perspective can bring new energy and help solve problems in creative ways.”
She’s not interested in echo chambers—she’s building a coalition.
“We all love Cobb, and we’re ready to do everything we can to make it greater,” she said. “With the right people, the right mindset, and the right values—there’s no doubt we can do amazing things together.”
Looking Ahead
Mary Clarice Hathaway takes the reins of the Cobb GOP at a pivotal time—not just for the party, but for the future of the county itself. With strong values, a servant’s heart, and a clear vision, she’s ready to lead with integrity and impact.
Her message is one of unity, purpose, and hope. And if her leadership style is any indication, the best days for Cobb conservatives may still be ahead.
Stay tuned. The next chapter of Cobb County Republican leadership has just begun—and it’s already off to a strong start.
