The chairman of the Republican Party of Texas is stepping down from his role to join Sen. Rand Paul's likely presidential campaign.
Steve Munisteri tells The Associated Press that he will become a senior adviser to Paul and help him plan a communications strategy. He joins a roster of other well-regarded operatives and advisers who would be the backbone of a Paul campaign.
Munisteri decided against joining the likely campaigns of two other Texans: Sen. Ted Cruz and former Gov. Rick Perry.
Munisteri said Thursday that he has known Paul for 34 years, dating back to when Paul's father, former congressman Ron Paul, represented Texas for 11 full terms.
Rand Paul is heading to Texas this weekend to headline party fundraisers in Dallas and Fort Worth.
