On Monday, New York Republicans selected Ed Cox to return to the state chairmanship, following the party’s better-than-expected results in last November’s elections. Cox, a son-in-law of the late former President Richard Nixon, is a familiar face for Republicans in New York and brings connections to party donors.
Cox’s return to the chairman post was unexpected, as other Republicans, including state Assemblyman Chris Tague, Rockland County GOP Chairman Lawrence Garvey, and former candidate for state attorney general Michael Henry, vied for the post and promised to build on the momentum built in the last four years.
Over the past few weeks, however, Cox was able to secure the backing of key Republican county leaders, building momentum towards his appointment. On Monday, his former rivals conceded that he had the support to return to the chairmanship and wanted to coalesce around him in a display of party unity.
Cox will replace U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy as chairman, who was elected last year to a western New York House seat. Langworthy praised his predecessor-turned-successor as a patriot and credited his efforts during last year’s legislative redistricting process that led to a court drawing lines that ultimately aided Republicans last year.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected]