U.S. Sen.-elect Dave McCormick has endorsed state Sen. Greg Rothman to replace Pennsylvania GOP Chairman Lawrence Tabas when his term ends next year, a sign the incoming freshman senator plans to play a leadership role in the Republican Party.
Rothman, 58, was elected in 2022 to represent the 34th Senate District, which includes Cumberland and Perry Counties and part of Dauphin County.
Republicans U.S. Sen.-elect Dave McCormick (left) and state Sen. Greg Rothman campaigning during the 2024 general election campaign.
McCormick noted Rothman, a Marine, is also a successful businessman who chaired the Cumberland County Republican Party. “He has the political savvy and relationships to sustain the progress we made this cycle and make Pennsylvania a powerhouse Republican state,” said McCormick.
“I believe state Sen. Greg Rothman would be an outstanding chair to lead us forward,” McCormick said.
McCormick also thanked Tabas, a Philadelphia lawyer, for his service.
Rothman announced his candidacy on X. “Just got off the phone with @PAGOP Chairman Lawrence Tabas. I thanked him for his 20+ years of selfless service to the Republican Party. I will be running to succeed him as State Party Chairman.”
Several other prominent Republicans also endorsed Rothman.
“When serving with Greg Rothman in the House. I saw his work firsthand. I’m happy to know that he has offered his talents to the Pennsylvania GOP. He is a veteran, a businessman, and a commonsense conservative who will unite our party for success. I am proud to endorse him for chairman,” said Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington). O’Neal serves as the House Republican Caucus whip.
Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward called Rothman “the real deal.”
“Intelligent, common sense, great political sense, team player, hard-working, and a really good man. You will be a tremendous leader for our party,” Ward said.
And Vince Galko, a Republican strategist, said Rothman “will make a great chair of the Pennsylvania GOP.”
Last week, Bucks County resident Ted Christian announced he is running for the state Republican chairmanship. Christian was endorsed by venture capitalist Paul Martino, who bankrolled his campaign with $100,000.
Rothman was a Realtor, graduated from Cumberland Valley High School and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and holds a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. According to his official biography, he served in the Marine Corps for nearly 10 years. And Rothman is also the “proud father” of five children.
McCormick added, “I am also happy to enthusiastically support Bernie Comfort staying on as vice chair to lend her knowledge and create continuity as we build on our successes from this last year.”
