The Texas Republican Party’s new leader, retired Army Lt. Col. Allen West, received more than 80% of the caucus votes during last week’s virtual convention, the culmination of a yearlong campaign.
“Congratulations Allen, great job.” President Trump said on Twitter.
West, a former Florida congressman who moved to Texas in 2014, told Texas Scorecard he would back the grassroots movement.
“My pledge to the Grassroots is that I will be the champion you seek to fight for you and your family,” West said. “Together we can fight the progressive socialist left and ensure that Texas is returned to the grassroots.”
Julie McCarty, CEO of the True Texas Project, told the Lone Star Standard by email that West’s election marks a “turning point” for the Republican Party of Texas.
“The grassroots have grown strong and produce a solid platform year after year, but what we want has always ended at the convention,” McCarty said. “With stronger party leadership willing to push back against weak Republican [elected officials] who water down our party's beliefs and goals, the grassroots will grow even bolder, and, in turn, our representatives will feel empowered.”
McCarty noted that some of those elected “tend to cower in fear” when they get to Austin.
“How many times have I complained that an elected should be bold when they have the backing of the voters.” McCarty said. “We can provide cover for someone who will stand up for what we believe. He or she would become a hero of the people. We aren't going to leave them hanging if they take a stand. Just the same, we've now got Allen West's back, and we expect his fighting spirit to lead the way for real Republican initiatives.”
The Texas GOP had planned on an in-person convention in Houston, but went forward with a digital session after Democratic Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner moved to cancel the contract with the George R. Brown Convention Center in response to COVID-19.
James Dickey, who had been Texas Republican chair since 2017, conceded the election in the early morning hours July 20 and later thanked his supporters and congratulated West on Facebook.
“I wish Lt. Col. West the very best in this role," Dickey wrote. "Thank you for the honor of serving as your Chair. Let's win in November. May God bless you and May God bless Texas.”
In the Texas Scorecard interview, West outlined a number of strategies, including how to increase party involvement.
“We have to do that battlefield calculus that enables us to find those votes and find those precincts, and we can pick up new voters in the major population centers,” West said.
He stressed the importance to convey the party’s principles and values.
“You can go down to the Rio Grande Valley, and speak with Hispanic pastors, and they believe what we believe,” West said. “We need to make sure that we have consistent engagement, not outreach, but engagement with them.”
McCarty said West’s statement, “It is time that the Republicans in Texas act like they’re in the majority ...in what they hope to accomplish. “We want our legislature to utilize their power. That's why they were voted into office.”
With fewer than 100 days until the election, McCarty offered suggestion for action.
“The people need to resonate with the new slogan that West has put forth: ‘We are the storm.’ It is up to us to provide the pressure our representatives need to keep them on point,” she said. “But people need a leader. They need direction. They need motivation and encouragement. West is just the man to provide all that and more. It's exciting to recognize the potential if all the grassroots will participate and demand action”
West expressed gratitude to his supporters on Facebook.
“I just want to say how truly humbled I am by this honor, and that I will work hard for Texas and Texans,” West wrote. “I would like to thank my amazing and dedicated team, as well as an incredible number of supporters. Your messages, texts, emails, and in-person encouragement at events has meant so very much. Thank you all Now the work begins.”
