Politics

Clark County Republican Party unanimously opposes Philip Johnson’s candidacy for Battle Ground City Council

The Clark County Republican Party formally opposed Philip Johnson’s Battle Ground City Council run, citing actions they say undermine party unity and conservative principles.

By Clark County Today · July 29, 2025
Clark County Republican Party unanimously opposes Philip Johnson’s candidacy for Battle Ground City Council
The Clark County Republican Party formally opposed Philip Johnson’s Battle Ground City Council run, citing actions they say undermine party unity and conservative principles.
The Clark County Republican Party formally opposed Philip Johnson’s Battle Ground City Council run, citing actions they say undermine party unity and conservative principles.
The Clark County Republican Party formally opposed Philip Johnson’s Battle Ground City Council run, citing actions they say undermine party unity and conservative principles.

The CCRP encourages Battle Ground residents to support candidates who will lead with integrity, civility, and a genuine commitment to the conservative values our community shares

The Clark County Republican Party (CCRP) on Tuesday (July 28) announced its decision without opposition to the candidacy of Philip Johnson for Battle Ground City Council. 

Philip Johnson
Philip Johnson

Following a formal vote of the CCRP Central Committee and after gathering feedback from precinct committee officers and grassroots members, the Party has concluded that Johnson’s actions are incompatible with the values and unity expected of Republican-affiliated leaders in Clark County. 

“Philip Johnson has repeatedly undermined fellow Republicans by taking out negative ads against candidates from within his own party,” said Matthew Bumala, Chair of the Clark County Republican Party. “This kind of behavior is divisive, counterproductive, and damaging to the broader conservative movement in our region. It’s our responsibility to stand up for candidates who build up our party — not tear it down.” 

CCRP Chairman Matt Bumala
Matthew Bumala, Clark County Republican Party chairman

While City Council races are officially nonpartisan, Mr. Johnson has identified himself with Republican circles in the past. However, his pattern of public conduct—particularly his use of campaign resources to attack other Republicans — demonstrates a disregard for party unity and conservative principles. 

The Clark County Republican Party believes that voters in Battle Ground deserve leaders who are collaborative, respectful, and committed to serving their constituents — not individuals who pursue personal political agendas at the expense of their own team. 

The CCRP encourages Battle Ground residents to support candidates who will lead with integrity, civility, and a genuine commitment to the conservative values our community shares. 

Clark County Today reached Johnson for comment Tuesday.

“The commissaires have met and decided that I’m not one of them,’’ Johnson said. “I guess that’s the way it is. If I’m not Republican enough for them, the way they’re going, I think that’s probably a pretty decent thing.’’ 


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