Following a November election that changed Colorado from purple to blue, the head of the state’s Republican party said Friday that he will not run for the seat in March, when a GOP state committee will choose a new chairman.

Jeff Hays has led the party for two years. He made the announcement via email.

“After much prayer, contemplation, and consultation, I have decided that I will not seek re-election as your state party chairman,” Hays stated. “After six years of party leadership at county and state party levels, I’m eager to make a positive difference in other areas and also believe the party is primed for new leadership. I pray the state central committee will choose wisely in March.”

He will start 2019 by kicking off “some key initiatives” aimed at securing Republican victories in 2020, he said.

This article has been corrected to address how long Hays led the party.