Ed Cox Named Chairman of the New York Republican Party for the Second Time

ALBANY — The Empire State Republicans are giving Ed Cox a second chance to lead the party.

Republican borough presidents unanimously selected him to again serve as chairman of the New York Republican State Committee during a special meeting Monday near Albany.

Cox, the son-in-law of the late President Richard Nixon, previously served as head of the New York Republican Party from 2009 to 2019. While he may be a veteran when it comes to running the party, Cox said he seeks to reinvigorate Republicans across the board. the state.

“We are bringing a team that has a lot of new blood,” he told reporters. “I’m just the president, the leader of this team.”

Cox replaces Rep. Nick Langworthy (RN.Y.), who was elected to Congress in November when the Republican Party regained control of the House.

Langworthy took the reins of the party in 2019 after Republicans went through a difficult election cycle in 2018 that included losing control of the state Senate to Democrats. Cox, blamed by many Republican leaders for the poor results, worked on former President Donald Trump’s failed re-election campaign after he resigned.

Although Republicans make up less than a third of New York state voters, the party did well last year with Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin trailing Democratic Gov. Hochul by six points in a tighter race than the anticipated.

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

Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (R-Lockport) and Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R-Oswego) praised the Long Island native and said they expect more victories for the party in future elections.

“In the coming year, we look forward to working collaboratively with the state chair and his team to continue the momentum we experienced in 2022,” Barclay said.

Peter Giunta, chairman of the New York State Young Republicans, congratulated Cox but called on party leaders to embrace younger voters and make room for emerging conservatives.

“We will not settle for ceremonial titles or the occasional nicety on social media – we need seats at the table, our voices to be heard, and above all, an open line of communication at all times,” Giunta said. “This is the recognition we have been fighting for, this is the recognition we deserve, and this is the only way to unite our state party and win.”