New York Republican Chairman Ed Cox in a statement on Monday formally announced he would step aside at the end of his term as chairman to make way for Nick Langworthy.
Cox will join President Donald Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign to serve on its finance committee.
“Serving as Chairman of the NYGOP over the last ten years has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life, and I will continue to actively help elect more Republicans here in New York,” Cox said in the statement
“I will be fulfilling the remainder of my term, and in the process, work to unify the Party and ensure a smooth transition for Chairman Langworthy.”
Langworthy, the Erie County Republican chair, had challenged Cox for the chairmanship post, racking up enough county chair endorsements on Monday to near a majority.
Over the last decade, Republicans have struggled to retain control of the state Senate, losing its last lever of power last year in a landslide.
Republicans have won statewide office in New York since 2002.
“I congratulate Nick Langworthy for lining up the support he needs to become our next Republican State Party Chairman,” said Senate Minority Leader John Flanagan. “Over the last few years, I have gotten to know Nick and found him to be a talented and charismatic leader, who knows what it takes to attract good candidates and win in a blue county.”