State committees pledge votes for next Pennsylvania GOP Chair

UPDATE: Ted Christian has withdrawn from race for PAGOP Chair, endorses Rothman

Is there really a broad swath of support building around the region’s veteran-GOP legislator Greg Rothman, for the state’s top GOP leadership spot, like the establishment media suggests?

Or is it split?

When news broke of the PAGOP Chairman Lawrence Tabas’ decision to not seek re-election, the party leadership’s support instantly swelled in the press for Rothman, including newly-elected Sen. Dave McCormick’s public endorsement.

But, there are many PAGOP State Committee members who want to shift the state GOP in a new direction and are throwing their support behind, Ted Christian.

Christian, a Bucks County resident and former Trump campaign state director, declared his candidacy for the PA GOP chairmanship last week.  His ‘X’ account (@TedForChairman) features his 2-page platform, with goals he has for the state party. 

One state committee member, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “Ted is going to have support from the Patriots and the America First folks (within the state committee). We need different leadership.”  (SC)

“It’ll be split but Ted has support.”

Dick Harris, GOP State Committee Member and chair of Bradford County Republicans, said he too is supporting Christian. “I’m upset with our elected leaders already endorsing a candidate (Rothman).  I thought we were a party from the ground up, not the top down.  I don’t like being dictated to.” 

First-time state GOP committee member Chet Jack is “undecided” on who he’s voting for as PAGOP chairman – but says he’s decidedly “troubled” with the lead-up to this election.

“Rather than have the candidates state their case before the committee, there’s this kind of pre-determined ..candidate push in the press,” said Jack. Jack intends to ask the candidates how they plan to regain control of the state House, and maintain control of the state Senate. He also hasn’t forgotten that Rothman supported Gov. Ron DeSantis in the presidential primary.

Jack hails from Butler County, represented by eight (8) state GOP committee members. He also chairs the American Families First PAC.

State committee members are mixed on their feelings regarding the election “process” that will determine their new leadership. Committee member Chet Jack said he sees room for improvement. He said his first experience at a state committee-wide vote last year was like a “lobbying” event that swept over the scene. “But, I was elected to represent Republicans in my county. I represent them.” He prefers a rollcall vote, where votes are put on record – versus the more unreliable voice votes.

Our anonymous respondent said the same, and hopes for privacy to be honored so the committee can move forward unified without grudges over who voiced their support for a different candidate. 

Christian, who also served on Trump’s transition team and as a senior advisor during his 2020 campaign, is known for his coalition-building skills and strategic expertise. Republicans can find his party vision on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) at: @TedForChairman.  Christian has received multiple posts of support on that platform following his announcement to run. 

Approximately 350 state committee members will decide the race for Pennsylvania GOP.  It has not been announced when the vote will take place – but it’s believed to be set for February in the Harrisburg area.  Typically, state GOP meetings, under Tabas’ leadership have been closed to the press.