West/Photo by U.S. House of Representatives

Lt. Col. Allen West will soon be taking on another role after defeating incumbent Texas Republican Party chairman James Dickey for his position this weekend.

In a vote at the virtual Texas GOP Convention, West defeated Dickey to become the new chair for the Texas Republican Party. The vote lasted into early Monday morning due to issues with the voting systems at the virtual convention.

Following his victory, West posted to social media to thank Texas Republicans for electing him to lead the state party.

“I just want to say how truly humbled I am by this honor, and that I will work hard for Texas and Texans,” West said.

Prior to the vote this weekend, West and Dickey had been locked in a heated race to lead the state party. Dickey has held the office since being appointed by the State Republican Executive Committee in 2017 to replace former chairman Tom Mechler, and was re-elected over challenger Cindy Asche at the 2018 convention.

According to Texas Scorecard’s Brandon Waltens, West’s victory was made official on Monday when Dickey handed over the chairman’s gavel to the former Florida Congressman, and pledged to help West strengthen the party ahead of the 2020 elections.