Western New York state Sen. George Borrello has been appointed to lead the fundraising arm of the Republicans in the state Senate as the party seeks to return to what had been the final power center for the GOP in the state. 

Borrello's appointment to the chairman of the Senate Republican Campaign Committee comes after Democrats in November retained their two-thirds supermajority in the chamber. 

Republicans had expected to do better in down-ballot races in 2022 and the party did manage to flip a handful of key seats in the New York City suburbs. But the red wave did not reach the shores of the state Senate, where Democrats have held the majority since 2018. 

“I want to thank Senator George Borrello for stepping into this role to help us grow the Senate Republican Conference,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “An effective campaign committee is critical to our goal of electing Republican Senators who will fight to make New York safer and more affordable, and help end one-party rule in Albany. I am confident Senator Borrello has the energy and leadership skills necessary to strengthen our political operation heading into 2024 and compete in every corner of this state.”

Borrello replaces state Sen. Pam Helming, who had held the role since July 2020. Borrello, first elected to the state Senate in 2018, praised Helming's leadership of the committee in a statement and said his goal was to break the Democratic hold in Albany. 

“This past election proved that the Republican Party can compete and win in every region of the state," he said. "I am excited to get to work recruiting top-tier candidates and developing the resources, relationships and alliances that will help us end one-party domination of our state government.”