New London — Longtime former City Council member Rob Pero took over as the chairman of the Republican Town Committee this week, replacing outgoing Chairwoman Shannon Brenek.

Pero was elected on Tuesday by the majority of the more than 30 people attending the meeting. He was challenged by former City Council candidate Kat Goulart, who also was nominated for the the position of vice chairman.

Tim Ryan was elected vice chairman and Dan Docker to treasurer. The secretary position remains open for the time being.

Pero has served eight terms as a city councilor, including one term as mayor, and currently is the Republican registrar of voters.

Pero said he expects to continue Brenek’s work in seeking qualified candidates to give voters more choices in the upcoming elections.