There is about to be a change at the top of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania.

After more than 20 years of service to the party, Lawrence Tabas has opted to not seek reelection to the post of chairman. An election law expert and longtime General Counsel to the Republican Party of Pennsylvania, Tabas steps aside after serving as chair since 2019.

At least two names have been floated as possible replacements. State Sen. Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland/ Dauphin/Perry) and Ted Christian, a director in the Government Strategies division of the law firm Duane Morris, have both expressed interest in the job.

Rothman may hold frontrunner status, after receiving the endorsement of U.S. Sen.-elect Dave McCormick on Thursday.

“I want to thank Lawrence Tabas for his years of leadership and dedication to electing Republicans up and down the ballot in Pennsylvania,” said McCormick in a prepared statement. “We have seen historic results in 2024 under his leadership.

I believe State Senator Greg Rothman would be an outstanding chair to lead us forward. Greg is a state senator, Marine, successful businessman, former State Representative, and former chair for the Cumberland County Republican Party, who has seen our state party through many different phases. He has the political savvy and relationships to sustain the progress we made this cycle and make Pennsylvania a powerhouse Republican state.”

Rothman, the former president and CEO of RSR Realtors, was elected to the state Senate in 2022 after serving eight years in the state House representing the 87th District.

Christian made news earlier in the month at the annual gathering of the Pennsylvania Society in New York City, announcing his candidacy for the chairmanship. He also has the backing of Bucks County venture capitalist and founder of Back to School PA PAC Paul Martino, who gave $100,000 to the effort.

“We need a leader who understands the importance of executing a clear vision and empowering local organizations to succeed. Ted Christian is that leader,” said Martino in a statement. “His proven ability to unite the party, modernize its approach, and deliver results makes him uniquely qualified to lead us to victory.”