AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Allen West will be the next chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, following a late night vote that stretched into the early hours of Monday morning.
The former Florida congressman and retired Army lieutenant colonel, who moved to North Texas in 2014, defeated incumbent Chairman James Dickey, who was seeking his second full term in the role.
"I am honored and privileged that Republicans of Texas have selected me to Chair their party and to be at the helm during this coming election cycle," West said in a statement. "We need to focus on maintaining the conservative policies that made Texas strong and drive voter outreach across the state."
West claimed victory on Facebook just after 3:45 a.m. Monday morning, while Dickey conceded about a half hour later.
"I wish Lt. Col. West the very best in this role," Dickey said in his statement. "Thank you for the honor of serving as your Chair. Let's win in November."