Ed Cox named chairman of New York Republican social gathering for second time

ALBANY — Empire State Republicans are giving Ed Cox a second shot at main the social gathering.

GOP county chairs unanimously elected him to serve once more as chairman of the New York Republican State Committee throughout a particular assembly Monday close to Albany.

The son-in-law of late President Richard Nixon, Cox beforehand served as head of New York’s Republican social gathering from 2009 to 2019. Whereas he could also be an previous hand in relation to operating the social gathering, Cox mentioned he’s seeking to reinvigorate Republicans throughout the state.

“We’re bringing in a workforce that does have a whole lot of new blood,” he instructed reporters. “I simply occur to be the chairman, the chief of this workforce.”

Cox is changing Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.), who was elected to Congress in November because the GOP took again management of the Home.

Langworthy took the reins of the social gathering in 2019 after Republicans endured a tough 2018 election cycle that included dropping management of the state Senate to Democrats. Cox, whom many GOP leaders blamed for the poor outcomes, labored on former President Donald Trump’s failed re-election marketing campaign after stepping down.

Whereas Republicans make up lower than a 3rd of New York State voters, the social gathering faired effectively final yr and GOP gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin got here inside six factors of Democratic Gov. Hochul in a closer-than-anticipated race.

Cox’s return was welcomed by Republican legislative leaders in Albany.

Senate Minority Chief Rob Ortt (R-Lockport) and Meeting Minority Chief Will Barclay (R-Oswego) each heaped reward on the Lengthy Island native and mentioned they count on extra wins for the social gathering in future elections.

“Within the coming yr, we look ahead to working collaboratively with the state chairman and his workforce to proceed the momentum we skilled in 2022,” Barclay mentioned.

Peter Giunta, chairman of the New York State Younger Republicans, congratulated Cox however referred to as on social gathering leaders to embrace youthful voters and make room for up-and-coming conservatives.

“We won’t accept ceremonial titles or the occasional nicety on social media — we’d like seats on the desk, our voices to be heard and, above all else, an open line of communication always,” Giunta mentioned. “That is the popularity that we’ve been combating for, that is the popularity we deserve and that is the one option to unite our state social gathering and win.”