Former State Rep From Irving Is New State GOP Chair

(Austin, TX) — Former state Rep. Matt Rinaldi of Irving is the new chairman of the Republican Party of Texas.

The State Republican Executive Committee elected Rinaldi on Sunday. He replaces Allen West, who announced his resignation last month after less than a year on the job. West is now challenging Governor Greg Abbott in next year’s election.

Rinaldi won the election on the first ballot, defeating three opponents. He lost reelection in 2018 when his North Texas seat flipped to a Democrat.