'I'm all in': West announces run for Texas governor

Former Texas Republican Party Chair Allen West has announced that he is entering his name into the race for Texas governor, which would mean challenging Gov. Greg Abbott in the 2022 election. 

West made the announcement for his running at Sojourn Church in Carrollton.

"It's official! I'm all in. Your prayers and well-wishes are appreciated,” West stated in a Facebook post. 

West’s odds are not high, as Abbott has already received endorsement from former President Donald Trump. He has been vocal in his opposition to Abbott’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming that the state needed to be reopened sooner. 

“I’ve not been in elected political office for about a decade, but I can no longer sit on the sidelines and see what has happened in these United States of America and the place that I call home,” West said in a video about his campaign.

While West is unlikely to win the election against Abbott, he is confident that if he does his best he will serve his state well. Despite being a Trump supporter, he seems unconcerned with Trump’s endorsement of Abbott.

"You know, I don't serve President Trump. I serve God, country and Texas. So that does not affect me whatsoever,” West said. 

West has represented the 22nd district in Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives.

West’s resignation was effective July 11, which is when the State Republican Executive Committee will choose the successor for West’s position. The election of a replacement will be between David Covey, president of the Texas Republican County Chairmen's Association; Matt Rinaldi, former state representative; and Chad Wilbanks, former executive director of the state party.

West represented Florida from 2011-2013 before moving to Texas in 2014 where he became the CEO of the National Center for Policy Analysis. 

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller initially mentioned he might run for governor but has decided he will keep his current position.