AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Allen West is stepping down as the chairman of the Texas Republican Party.
West made the announcement Friday morning. He'll remain as the party's leader until a new chairman can be selected on July 11.
"It has been my distinct honor to serve as Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. I pray Godspeed for this governing body," West said in a statement.
"West will take this opportunity to prayerfully reflect on a new chapter in his already distinguished career," a statement from the party reads. "We know that wherever he goes next, he will continue to be a bulwark against progressive socialism and a champion for the principles of Texas and our American Republic."
West previously served as a congressman in Florida before moving to Texas several years ago. He took control of the state party last year, unseating incumbent chairman James Dickey, and has been a vocal critic of fellow Republicans he disagrees with, including Gov. Greg Abbott.
That criticism has fueled speculation that West could seek statewide office, including mounting a potential gubernatorial challenge to Abbott.