AUSTIN (KXAN) — Someone new will have to take the reins at the Republican Party of Texas after its current chairman announced Friday he’ll step down from the post.
Matt Rinaldi put out a statement on X sharing that he will not seek another term as chairman of the state party. The former state representative from Irving became the party’s leader in July 2021 after Allen West resigned as chairman and unsuccessfully challenged Gov. Greg Abbott in the Republican gubernatorial primary in 2022.
“I will be forever grateful for the honor of serving the millions of Texas Republicans working to preserve a society that values faith, family, and liberty,” Rinaldi said. “Together, we have made the Republican Party of Texas and its millions of grassroots members more than just a cheerleading section for anyone with an ‘R’ next to their name.”
Regarding his future plans, Rinaldi wrote in his letter that he would like to focus on spending more time with his wife and six-year-old son.
He also said his successor will be chosen at the upcoming Republican State Convention, which will begin on May 23 in San Antonio.
At least one candidate already announced a bid to become the next party chairman. Dr. Dana Myers, who’s a medical business consultant in Houston for a health law firm, said in January she planned to challenge Rinaldi. She currently serves as the state party’s vice chair.
Her campaign website for the chairman position said, “Dr. Dana Myers is running to be your next Republican Party of Texas Chair to strengthen our party, to unite in purpose the statewide grassroots and Republican organizations, and to build a lasting statewide infrastructure while growing membership.”
In a post on X at the end of January, Myers criticized Rinaldi for not endorsing former President Donald Trump sooner.
“What’s truly disappointing is Matt’s focus on party division & willingness to ignore the grassroots,” she wrote on X. “It’s time for a change!”
The Texas Tribune previously reported Myers had also been critical of the party’s ties to Defend Texas Liberty PAC, an embattled hard-right group that’s been tied to white supremacists.