Teen Georgia GOP leader resigns months after historic rise in party ranks
Ja'Quon Stembridge, who was elected Assistant Secretary of the Georgia GOP earlier this year, resigned last week, ending a brief but highly visible tenure.
The 19-year-old rising star of the Georgia GOP — widely celebrated for injecting youth energy into the party — abruptly resigned after a vigilante-style sting video surfaced online, sparking accusations and raising serious questions about the role of citizen-run justice and political accountability.
CBS News Atlanta reached out to Athens–Clarke County police, who said the incident shown in the video was not handled by law enforcement and is not part of any current criminal investigation. Public safety officials have repeatedly cautioned against citizen-run sting operations, saying they can undermine legitimate investigations, lead to misidentification, and endanger both participants and the public.
The confrontation was filmed and posted by a group led by Angelus Pereira, who told followers they conduct amateur sting operations by posing as minors on social media to lure out alleged predators. The AJC reports the group has no formal affiliation with law enforcement and operates independently.
It remains unclear whether Stembridge ever intended to meet with a minor or if the online account interacting with him was controlled by the group. Neither Stembridge nor an attorney representing him has responded to requests for comment.
A rapid rise cut short
Stembridge drew statewide attention in July after the Atlanta Journal-Constitution profiled his unexpected ascent to GOP leadership. Then just 18, the University of North Georgia student, known for his grassroots organizing and online presence, built a coalition of young conservatives, state delegates, and local activists.
His victory was seen as a symbolic moment for the party, which has been working to expand its appeal to younger voters and broaden its leadership pipeline.
Sudden resignation raises questions
Georgia GOP Chair Josh McKoon confirmed Stembridge's departure in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
"Ja'Quon has resigned his position as Assistant Secretary," McKoon said in the statement, adding that the party "wishes him well in his future endeavors."
In a Facebook post he also said, "Today I announce the resignation of Ja'Quon Stembridge as Assistant Secretary of the Georgia Republican Party, effective November 29, 2025. The Georgia Republican Party will move promptly to fill the vacancy in accordance with our bylaws."
A short but notable tenure
Stembridge's election earlier this year was celebrated by many conservatives as an infusion of youth energy into the party's leadership ranks.
His resignation comes just months after taking office, leaving the party to appoint or elect a new assistant secretary to fill the vacancy.
Youth activism remains a key force
Even with Stembridge's exit, state party officials say the surge in youth involvement remains one of the most significant political trends heading into 2026.
Georgia — a highly competitive battleground state — has seen both parties invest heavily in college-age organizers and first-time voters.
The Georgia GOP has not announced a timeline for selecting a replacement.
Editor's note
This story has been updated to include new details about a viral confrontation video posted by a citizen-run sting group and to clarify that Athens–Clarke County police say the incident depicted was not handled by law enforcement. The allegations surfaced through a private video and have not been substantiated. This article now reflects additional context and law-enforcement guidance about the importance of reporting suspected crimes directly to authorities.