JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMOX) – The Missouri Republican State Committee picked Ed Martin as its new chair on Saturday.

The St. Louisan ran for attorney general in November.

In a congratulatory Tweet, Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones called Martin a “dedicated public servant and a common-sense conservative.”

Martin replaces David Cole as state GOP chair.

A Missouri Republican State Committee spokesman said the new chair won’t be available for an interview until sometime in the coming week, but Martin did release a statement on the group’s website, Saturday afternoon:
“Today’s competition was the sign of a vibrant and mature Party. Our success in electing Republicans across the state — in widening the tent — has created an influx of new ideas and energy, but it’s clear there is still work yet to be done. I look forward to working with the members of the state committee, our volunteers, activists, and donors as we take our conservative message to Missourians from across the state and from all walks of life. Working together, I know we will protect what we have built and strengthen our Party in preparation for 2014 and beyond.”