In a 248 to 120 vote, Pennsylvania Republican State Committee members elected state Sen. Greg Rothman as the new GOP chair on Saturday.
“Today is a great day for the Republican Party. We will take tomorrow off and root for the Eagles, and then on Monday get to work to make Pennsylvania a solidly Republican state,” Rothman told DVJournal shortly after the vote.
“I am deeply honored to serve as chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican Party. Together with our dedicated team, we will work to advance the values that make Pennsylvania strong, ensure our voices are heard, and empower our grassroots.”
Rothman (R-Cumberland) fended off a challenge by Leigh Valley businessman Bill Bachenberg, who is a Trump fundraiser and first vice chair of the National Rifle Association (NRA).
But Bachenberg does not plan to quietly fade away.
Bernadette “Bernie” Comfort
“During our short 38-day campaign, Lynne and I have heard from the grassroots and volunteers who are the heart and soul of our state. The swamp may have won today, but the MPGA and MAGA movement can’t be stopped. The Pennsylvania GOP establishment has awoken a pride of sleeping tigers; stay tuned,” Bachenberg said.
Members of the Republican State Committee reelected Bernadette “Bernie” Comfort (Lehigh) as vice chair, Sam DeMarco (Allegheny) as treasurer, Ann Coleman (Mercer) as secretary, and Becky Corbin (Chester) as assistant secretary.
U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) had endorsed Rothman which prompted a previous challenger, Bucks County resident Ted Christian, to drop out of the race for chairman and endorse Rothman. Rothman also had the support of Congressman Dan Meuser (R-Dauphin).
“Congratulations to our new Chairman Greg Rothman! Together, Greg and Vice Chair Bernie Comfort will build on the incredible and historic wins we had in 2024. I’m so grateful for all the candidates who stepped forward. Unified together, we will work to implement President Trump’s agenda and make a difference for every single Pennsylvanian,” said McCormick.
As one his first acts as chairman, Rothman appointed national committeeman Andy Reilly (Delaware County) to lead the transition between the outgoing administration and Rothman’s team.
Longtime Republican consultant Christopher Nicholas with Eagle Consulting Group, said, “It was good to see (Rothman) and Bernie win such a decisive victory.”
Philadelphia lawyer J. Matthew Wolfe served as assistant parliamentarian for the gathering and said he was glad Rothman won because of his experience, political relationships, and ability to fundraise. But he hopes Bachenberg “will remain active and move our party forward.”
“Greg Rothman is not a guy who surrounds himself with yes men,” said Wolfe.
Under the leadership of the previous chairman, Philadelphia lawyer Lawrence Tabas, the Pennsylvania GOP had a successful 2024 general election. Pennsylvania, the largest swing state, voted for Trump, giving him its electoral votes. Incumbent Treasurer Stacy Garrity and incumbent Auditor General Tim DeFoor were reelected. And Republican Dave Sunday handily beat Democrat Eugene DePasquale to become attorney general.
In an earlier interview, Rothman, 58, told DVJournal he’s been interested in Republican politics since Ronald Reagan ran for president. And he volunteered for various candidates, including former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and for Jack Kemp, who ran for vice president with Bob Dole.
After college he worked in his family’s real estate business, then joined the Marines serving in Operation Desert Storm. First serving as a state representative, Rothman was elected to the state Senate in 2015.
The Pennsylvania Democratic Committee is also chaired by a state senator, Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia).
