RPT Chairman Steve Munisteri gave the following statement regarding Governor Perry's announcement that he will not seek re-election at the end of his current term:

“On behalf of the Republican Party of Texas and all Texas Republicans, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Governor Rick Perry for his service as Governor of the great state of Texas. Under his leadership, Texas had arguably the strongest economy of any major state in the country over the last 10 years, creating a net gain of over 1 million jobs, as well as experiencing approximately 4% growth in GPD in 2012 – more than twice the national average. Probably the greatest testament to Governor Perry’s leadership is that people from all over the country are voting with their feet by relocating to Texas at a rate of over 1,000 people per day. This is no doubt due to the economic climate and overall quality of life that the Perry administration has created. In addition to creating an economic environment that is the envy of the nation, Governor Perry also has our thanks for helping build the Republican Party to what it is today. During Governor Perry’s administration, Republicans obtained a majority in the Texas House and Senate and elected more Republicans to office around the state than Democrats for the first time since reconstruction. Since I have been Chairman, Governor Perry has been supportive of the Republican Party of Texas in many ways. He has hosted fundraisers both large and small, attended countless Republican events, and campaigned for the entire Republican ticket every election cycle. Today the Republican Party of Texas is financially sound, and just since the 2008 election there are 853 more Republican officeholders statewide. I am personally appreciative of the assistance Governor Perry has given to the Republican Party of Texas over the past 13 years and I look forward to working with him throughout the remainder of my term and wish him well with future endeavors.” – Steve Munisteri, RPT Chairman