Matthew Hamilton is reporting at Capitol Confidential state Republican Chairman Ed Cox officially announced Tue., Feb. 2, the party will hold its convention this year in Buffalo on March 4. The party said the primary purpose of the convention will be to select its candidate to challenge U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer. County chairs, committee members, elected officials and candidates will also gather to discuss the upcoming presidential primary. Presidential campaign representatives will be in attendance, the party said. In its press release, the state committee highlighted Buffalo's long history with the Republican Party. The Buffalo Convention of the National Republican League in 1848 laid the groundwork for establishing the party and one of the earliest Republican State Conventions was held in Buffalo in 1888.