Matt Rinaldi, the current chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, announced he will not be seeking re-election when the party meets for its biennial convention in May.
In a statement on Friday afternoon, “After almost three years serving as Chairman, traveling the state, and spending many long nights on the road, it is time for me to focus on my obligations as a husband to my wife, Corley, and as a father to my six-year-old son, Rush. They have both been supportive and very patient with me as I worked to create a better future for Texas. 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.”
Rinaldi became chairman in 2021 after being elected by the State Republican Executive Committee to fill the remainder of former Chair Allen West’s term. He was then re-elected at the 2022 Texas GOP Convention without any opposition.
Shortly after Rinaldi’s announcement, former Collin County GOP Chairman Abraham George announced he would run for the position, saying, “As a former SREC 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.”
Rinaldi endorsed George, saying he “will keep our state party one that wins elections, serves grassroots Republicans first, and leads on policy.”
Attorney General Ken Paxton also announced his endorsement for George, calling him a “principled conservative who served well as a SREC member and chairman of the Collin GOP.”
He also called Rinaldi a “strong fundraiser while uniting the Party behind our shared values.”
Before Rinaldi’s announcement, several candidates had already announced their intention to run, including current Texas GOP Vice Chair Dana Myers, businessman Ben Armenta, and activist Weston Martinez.
The vote will take place during the Texas GOP Convention, which takes place May 23-25 in San Antonio.
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