Matt Rinaldi, the chair of the Republican Party of Texas, announced on Friday that he would not be seeking re-election to the post.
“I ran for State Chairman on a platform of growing the party, increasing its influence, and making it one that effectively amplifies the voice of grassroots Republicans. I am happy to report we were successful on all accounts,” he said in a statement posted on X.
Rinaldi was elected to the position in 2021 following retired Lt. Col. Allen West’s departure from the role and was subsequently re-elected the following year.
“As I continue to serve the remainder of my term, I will see to it that we elect a successor at the upcoming Republican State Convention that will continue to make ours a party that serves grassroots Republicans, speaks clearly on policy matters, and, while working with our GOP office holders, isn’t afraid to hold them accountable when necessary,” he said.
Not long after posting the announcement, a number of Republican officials chimed in to lend their support to former Collin County Republican Party chair Abraham George, who appeared to take the opportunity to announce his candidacy.
“As a former [State Republican Executive Committee] member and County Chair, I’m ready to deliver on what our Party needs. I have a proven track record of raising funds and organizing the grassroots behind a unified message and agenda. Let’s get to work,” he wrote on X.
Attorney General Ken Paxton, who hails from Collin County, endorsed George in a brief statement:
“[George] was a strong fundraiser while uniting the Party behind our shared values. [Rinaldi] was a tremendous chair and I trust Abraham George to live up to the standard Matt set for the Texas GOP.”