John McCarthy, the former chairman of the Republican Party of Kentucky, was elected to be the party’s new national committeeman Saturday.?

McCarthy, who is also one of? the top paid lobbyists in Frankfort, will succeed Mike Duncan, who held the role since 1992. A release from RPK said McCarthy was selected by the party during its quarterly executive committee meeting Saturday.

“I am honored to have the confidence of Kentucky Republicans to represent them on the national level,” McCarthy said in a statement. “Mike Duncan has been a true mentor and friend to me for years. I will do my best to carry on his legacy of service to the Republican Party, not only here in Kentucky, but nationally.”??

As part of his role, McCarthy will represent Kentucky on the Republican National Committee.?

“I want to congratulate my good friend John McCarthy on becoming the new National Committeeman for the Republican Party of Kentucky,” RPK Chairman Mac Brown said in a statement. “John’s wealth of experience and deep connections within our party and the state make him an invaluable asset.”

McCarthy became the chairman of RPK in 2004 after serving as special assistant to former Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher in 2003. The RPK press release also said McCarthy has been an adviser and fundraiser for top Kentucky Republicans, including U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senator Rand Paul, and members of the congressional delegation as well as state lawmakers.?

In August, U.S. Congressman James Comer tweeted his endorsement of McCarthy for national committeeman.

Before serving in government, McCarthy built a government affairs practice for a law firm and held senior-level government affairs positions at Humana and Columbia HCA. He is a graduate of Centre College.

McCarthy lives in Louisville with his wife Cindy and their three daughters, Austin, Eloise and Charlotte.