West/Photo by U.S. House of Representatives

Newly-elected Texas Republican Party chairman Allen West is calling on Texas Democratic Party chairman Gilberto Hinojosa to participate in a series of debates ahead of the November 2020 election.

In a statement released on Thursday, West challenged Hinojosa to a series of debates to begin in August or early September focusing on the differences between the two parties. The move attracted attention as West begins to set the game plan for Texas Republicans after recently ousting incumbent Republican chairman James Dickey to lead the party.

According to the Texas Tribune’s Patrick Svitek, the Texas Democratic Party appeared to indirectly decline West’s challenge on Thursday, saying the party is focused on winning the November elections.

“Allen West wants a sideshow rodeo. We're focused on winning in November,” a party spokesperson said.