A Pioneer Who Opened Doors for Erie County Republicans
Ann Grunewald devoted much of her life to politics and the Republican Party in Erie County. A relentless organizer and a leader long before it was common for women to hold the top jobs, she spent decades building the party from the ground up and inspiring the volunteers who came after her.
First woman to run for Mayor of the City of Erie (1985)
First woman to chair the Erie County Republican Committee
President of the Erie Council of Republican Women & Vice President of the Republican Foundation
“Ann was very involved in politics and the Republican Party. She was the first woman to run for the Mayor of the City of Erie in 1985. She was also the first woman chairperson of the Erie County Republican Committee, served as President of the Erie Council of Republican Women, Vice President of the Republican Foundation, and was a member of the Republican Committee and the State Committee.”
From Ann's obituary — read the full obituary
The Ann Grunewald Service Award carries her name forward. Each year the Erie County Republican Committee presents it to members whose service reflects Ann's example: hard work without fanfare, loyalty to the cause, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to elect Republicans across Erie County.
Award Recipients
Carry the Legacy Forward
Ann Grunewald built our party through service. Join the volunteers and committee members who keep that work alive across Erie County — and know that dedication never goes unnoticed.