The Next Generation of Conservatives - With Kelsey McCormick and Peyton Steele

March 26, 2025

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Summary

Hosts Nikki Bascome and Reuel Sample engage in a lively discussion with young conservative leaders Peyton Steele and Kelsey McCormick. They share their personal journeys into politics, and discuss the mission of Turning Point USA. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by conservative students on college campuses, the importance of family support in political beliefs, and the need for generational engagement in political activism. The episode highlights the evolving landscape of youth political engagement and the strategies to make conservatism appealing to Gen Z.

Takeaways

Peyton Steele and Kelsey McCormick are young conservative leaders involved with Turning Point USA.
Turning Point USA aims to empower students to advocate for pro-American values.
College campuses can be challenging environments for conservative students.
Many college students are disengaged from political issues and rely on social media for news.
Family support plays a crucial role in shaping political beliefs and activism.
Engaging Gen Z requires making politics fun and relatable.
Social media platforms like TikTok are effective for reaching younger audiences.
Conservative activism is gaining momentum among the younger generation.
The importance of standing firm in one's beliefs despite opposition.

Sound Bites

"I feel so old."
"It's a badge of honor."
"We want a break."

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Turning Point USA: https://www.tpusa.com/4

Turning Point USA at UNCW: https://www.instagram.com/tpusauncw/

Kelsey McCormick is a NC native, growing up in Cary before moving to Emerald Isle for high school. Living on the coast, she was able to grow in her faith and be a conservative voice.

During high school, she served as a student leader for her local YoungLife and FCA and ambassadors for multiple national conservative organizations.

She became involved with the Carteret County GOP, leading her to intern for local candidates, as well as Ted Budd's campaign for US Senate. She started a Turning Point USA chapter at her high school and served as president until graduation in 2023. Their chapter would serve the community through their local VFW, First responders, and even nursing homes.

When Covid hit, Kelsey spoke out at a half dozen Board of Education meetings, fighting for medical freedom for students across the county. She was then appointed to a two year term on the NC State Superintendent's Student Advisory Council, giving her the opportunity to meet with and speak in front of members of the NC General Assembly, School Board, and Department of Education. This allowed her to advocate for students across the entire state.

Last year, Kelsey attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Here, she was able to attend national conservative events, stand behind Governor Youngkin during bill signings, and testify in front of the Virginia House of Delegates. She was in leadership for multiple like minded clubs, and served as Vice President of their Turning Point USA chapter, which is the largest in the country.

At the end of her freshman year, leading up to the 2024 election, Kelsey moved back to NC to accept a full time position as Turning Point USA's College Field Representative for the Tarheel Territory. She works with college students every day, covering the large universities (UNC, NCSU, Duke, UNCW, ECU) as well as community colleges and private schools. She helps these students get involved in the conservative movement by starting, joining, and leading Turning Point USA chapters!

The Turning Point USA chapter president at University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). Currently a junior studying Marketing and Leadership. I am originally from Wake Forest, North Carolina, growing up visiting Wilmington my whole life. Recently, I have become involved with the New Hanover County GOP to serve on the communications committee under John Hinnant's leadership. I am also a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, a christian based sorority where I have served as the previous Recruitment Analyst in 2024.

Nikki brings a wealth of experience to The Wilmington Conservative. Her lifelong involvement in the community gives her a great perspective on both politics and culture. She takes these things seriously - but never TOO seriously. She grew up in New Hanover County Schools, raised two adult children in New Hanover County Schools, and has two children currently in New Hanover County Schools, and I work in New Hanover County Schools. She is actively involved in Surfer's Healing and can be seen all about New Hanover.

Reuel Sample is the Editor-in-Chief of The Wilmington Standard. A graduate of Grove City College and Princeton Theological Seminary, he has served as both a Presbyterian Pastor and a Navy Chaplain. He is the product of a classical liberal arts education combined with real world experience in politics and business and conservative Christian worldview firmly rooted in the Reformed tradition. He is the host of several podcasts including the NHC GOP Podcast, the Pastor's Voice, and co-hosts the Nikki and Reuel Podcast Experience. An avid sailor, he has sailed around the world as a youth and to the Azores as a teen as well as extensive trips up and down the east coast of the United States. He is honored to be married to his wife Pam and makes his home in Wilmington, NC.