Jack Kimball, a tea party favorite, has won the GOP state chairman seat in a 222 to 199 win. Name recognition and backing from the new speaker of the state House of Representatives, William O’Brien, and majority leader, D.J. Bettencourt, as well as other conservative groups, are credited for Kimball's win.

“The tea party represents a new energy in the party … Can the party establishment hold its own against that?”

“Jack brings tremendous energy to the Chairman’s post. Firmly committed to the conservative principles for which we stand, he understands the nuts and bolts of grassroots organizing.”