Allen West announced Friday that he is resigning from his role as chairman of the Texas Republican Party and possibly eyeing his sights on running for a more statewide political position.
What We Know:
- West, a former Army official and congressman in Florida, has been the Texas GOP’s chairman for less than a year after beating former Texas Chairman James Dickey. On the state party’s website, West stated that it’s been “a distinct honor to serve as Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas….I pray Godspeed for this governing body.”
- The now-former chairman has been at odds with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott over his handling of COVID-19 and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick over gun legislation throughout his term. West believes both men are not going to the “right enough” with laws, especially during a time Texas is seeing a steady climb of switching from a red state to a battleground one. West has even gone as far as suing Abbott and protesting outside his home regarding extending early voting and restrictions during the pandemic.
- Many Texas GOP officials are happy to see West step down after his 11 chaotic months in office. Matt Mackowiak, chairman of the Travis County GOP, tweeted that West was leaving “disaster” in his wake and only took the chairman position to better his political future and not to better the party.
- In a recent news conference, West hinted at running against Abbott in the upcoming 2022 midterm elections. He stated it would be “very disingenuous with so many people that have asked me to consider something, to not explore a run.” Abbott, who is up for his third term, was just recently endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
- Current vice-chair Cat Parks has stated that she will be speaking with her family about possibly running for the position. Former GOP state Rep. Matt Rinaldi has already announced his candidacy for the position via Twitter.
Last week, back room deals were cut in an attempt to strip @RPT of its power to elect its own chair, vice chair and members of the SREC. We need a Chair willing to stand strong for the party and ensure that grassroots don’t lose their voice in the political process.(2/3)
— Matt Rinaldi (@MattRinaldiTX) June 4, 2021
The state’s party believes West will continue fighting against progressive socialism and supporting Texas ideals, no matter where he ends up. West will maintain his role of chairman until July 11th, when the state’s GOP votes for his replacement.
