AUSTIN (October 25, 2009)--Cathie Adams has been elected the new leader of the Texas Republican Party by a 36-25 vote during a special meeting Saturday at party headquarters.

Officials announced Saturday that Adams was elected party chairwoman to succeed Tina Benkiser, who recently left the post to become a senior adviser to Gov. Rick Perry's re-election campaign.

Party bylaws require a chairman to remain neutral in primary elections.

Adams has previously endorsed Perry who faces a primary challenge from Republican U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Republican Party of Texas spokesman Bryan Preston has previously said the new leader must refrain from any endorsements or advocacy during next year's GOP primary races, including the race governor.

Adams has served in a number of roles and, at the 2008 State Convention, was elected the Republican National Committeewoman for Texas.