AUSTIN — This afternoon, Republican Party of Texas State Chairman Steve Munisteri issued the following statement congratulating U.S. Senator John Cornyn after Senate Republicans elected him to serve as Minority Whip for the 113th Congress, and also congratulating Senator-Elect Ted Cruz upon being named as a Vice-Chairman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee for the 2014 cycle:

"I congratulate Senator John Cornyn on his election and look forward to his leadership as he advocates for the principles of our party in Washington D.C. His election to this important post is a testament to the high esteem in which he is held among his Republican colleagues in the U.S. Senate. We are very fortunate in Texas to have his leadership working to bring Texas values to the forefront of the next Congress."

Munisteri continued, "Also, I wish to congratulate Texas Senator-Elect Ted Cruz on his selection as a Vice-Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. This important group works to lay the groundwork and campaign structure for the advancement of Republican Senators and Senate candidates throughout the country. His leadership will be crucial to Republican success in 2014 and I applaud his elevation to this important post."