GOP to bring back Cox as N.Y. chairman

ALBANY — Empire State Republicans are giving Ed Cox a second shot at leading the party.

GOP county leaders unanimously elected him to serve again as chairman of the New York Republican State Committee during a special meeting Monday near Albany.

The son-in-law of late President Richard Nixon, Cox previously served as head of New York’s Republican Party from 2009 to 2019. While he may be an old hand when it comes to running the party, Cox said he’s looking to reinvigorate Republicans across the state.

“We’re bringing in a team that does have a lot of new blood,” he told reporters. “I just happen to be the chairman, the leader of this team.”

Cox is replacing Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.), who was elected to Congress in November as the GOP took back control of the House.

Langworthy took the reins of the party in 2019 after Republicans endured a rough 2018 election cycle that included losing control of the state Senate to Democrats. Cox, whom many GOP leaders blamed for the poor results, worked on former President Donald Trump’s failed reelection campaign after stepping down.

While Republicans make up less than a third of New York State voters, the party fared well last year, and GOP gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin came within 6 points of Democratic Gov. Hochul in a closer-than-anticipated race.

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) both heaped praise on the Long Island native and said they expect more wins for the party in future elections.

“In the coming year, we look forward to working collaboratively with the state chairman 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 up-and-coming 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 else, an open line of communication at all times,” Giunta said. “This is the recognition that we have been fighting for, this is the recognition we deserve and this is the only way to unite our state party and win.”