The race for chairman of the Republican Party of Texas is now down to only two after another potential candidate announced he would not run for the position.
Late last night, Mark Ramsey announced that he would be declining to run for the position, leaving only two candidates: Travis County Republican Party Chairman James Dickey and Houston businessman Rick Figueroa.
Had he run, Ramsey would have been a very strong candidate. He holds a position on the SREC himself, representing Senate District 7, and is a known commodity for conservatives both in his native Harris County and in the Capitol—serving as Chief of Staff for conservative State Rep. Valoree Swanson (R–Spring). Ultimately, in what he described as a difficult decision, Ramsey decided not to run.
“After much consideration and prayer, I have decided not to run for the Chair’s position. It is one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made, as I’m sure Tom’s was. I will continue to champion grassroots conservative Christian issues at every turn and as much as possible,” he said in a statement posted to Facebook.
The election will be decided by the State Republican Executive Committee at its upcoming meeting on June 3rd.
While Empower Texans will not be making an endorsement in the race, a questionnaire has been distributed to both candidates and their responses will be published for public informational purposes only.
A copy of the questions sent to both candidates can be viewed here.