Former State Rep Running for RPT Chair

Guest Article: Adrian Kaiser

With the resignation of lieutenant colonel Allen
West going into effect on July 11th, a
notable candidate has already announced his
intention to run for the Chairmanship of the
Republican Party Texas: Matt Rinaldi.

Rinaldi is a former state representative from
the 115th Texas House District who beat out former State
Representative Bennett Ratcliffe in 2014.
During his tenure in the State House Rinaldi
authored many pieces of conservative
legislation and fought to either eliminate or
reduce the effects of the Robin hood plan on
Texas schools.

Rinaldi became infamous among his Democrat
colleagues in 2017 when he called Immigration and Customs Enforcement on protesters in the gallery of the house as the house was debating and
discussing a sanctuary city bill. A fight broke
out amongst representatives on the house floor
and many sources gave different accounts of
what happened. Rinaldi claimed that then-State Rep. Poncho Navarro threatened his life, to which Rinaldi retaliated
by saying, “I’m gonna put a bullet in your head”.

After the incident was over Rinaldi said that he
only said this because his life was also
threatened by the democratic lawmaker.
Representative Navarro denied these
allegations.

During Rinaldi’s two terms in the house he was
ranked consistently as one of the most
conservative legislators. According to the Empower Texans Fiscal Reponsibility Index he earned a score of 100- tied with State Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park) and then-State Rep. .Jonathan Stickland.

Since his defeat in 2018 Rinaldi has worked
with his friend and fellow legislator Jonathan
Strickland in advancing Republican causes and
being extremely critical of leadership within
Texas.

Rinaldi said in a Facebook post about his
intention, “I’m excited to announce my
candidacy for Chairman of the Republican Party
of Texas.

“Last week, back room deals were cut in an
attempt to strip the Republican Party of its
power to elect its own chair, vice chair and
members of the SREC,” Rinaldi continued. “We need a Chair willing
to stand strong for the party and ensure that grassroots don’t lose their voice in the political process. The party also needs a
leader with a history of raising money and
organizing party activists at the local level, who
is also committed to its mission and legislative
priorities.”

“I look forward to earning the support of the
SREC over the coming weeks.”

The State Republican executive committee will
vote on Allen West’s replacement on July 11th.

Adrian Kaiser: Adrian is a political activist and Republican Precinct Chair. He resides with his wife Sarah and their son in Magnolia TX, where he is active in the community.