Jesse Lewis will be the new executive director of the Texas Republican Party, starting next week.

Lewis, a former political operative at the party, replaces Eric Opiela, who left several weeks ago after Cathie Adams became chairwoman of the state GOP. Lewis also worked for state Reps. Arlene Wohlgemuth, R-Burleson, and Sid Miller, R-Stephenville. Wayne Hamilton, a former ED at the party, has been filling in since Opiela left.