Former Long-Serving Hillsborough GOP Chairwoman Dies

The woman who helped diversify the Republican Party of Hillsborough County over her almost 20-year tenure as its leader died Wednesday at the age of 88.

Margie Kincaid, who served as chairwoman of the party from 1984 to 2003, is credited with opening the doors of the party to non-traditional Republicans and minorities at a time when Republicans were struggling against a powerful Democratic majority. Kincaid, who succeeded her husband as head of the party, was removed as the party chairwoman at the end of her tenure due to allegations of financial misconduct.