Allen West resigning as Texas GOP chairman after just 11 months

Allen West is out as the leader of the Republican Party of Texas.

The former Florida congressman, who has been chairman of the party since July 2020 and is known for his sharp elbows and conservative rhetoric, announced he is resigning effective July 11, when the party is expected to elect a new leader.

“Humbled and blessed by the opportunity to serve..” West said on Twitter after it was announced he is leaving.

West has been considered a potential candidate for office again, frequently mentioned as a potential rival to Gov. Greg Abbott because of his frequent public criticism of his fellow Republican. He’s also had public fights with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan.

Before running for party chairman, West floated the idea of running for Congress, before ultimately deciding on seeking the reins of the Texas GOP.

But in his resignation announcement, West did not say if he is running for higher office.

“Lt. Col. Allen West will take this opportunity to prayerfully reflect on a new chapter in his already distinguished career,” the statement from the Republican Party states. “We know that wherever he goes next, he will continue to be a bulwark against progressive socialism and a champion for the principles of Texas and our American Republic.”

West, 60, is originally from Georgia and grew up in Atlanta’s inner city before joining the military and ascending to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Army. His military career came to an abrupt end after he fired a pistol near the head of an Iraqi detainee during interrogation. West insisted he was only trying to protect his men from an ambush.

West has lived in North Texas since 2014.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com