In a significant development, Ronna McDaniel, the Chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC), has announced her resignation effective March 8, following Super Tuesday. McDaniel’s departure is seen as part of a broader shift in the RNC’s leadership.
“I have decided to step aside at our Spring Training on March 8 in Houston to allow our nominee to select a Chair of their choosing. The RNC has historically undergone change once we have a nominee and it has always been my intention to honor that tradition. I remain committed to winning back the White House and electing Republicans up and down the ballot in November,” McDaniel said in a statement shared with CNN.
Shortly after McDaniel’s announcement, South Carolina GOP co-chair, Drew McKissick, also revealed his intention to step down. This comes amidst a backdrop of increasing tension between the GOP presidential front-runner, Donald Trump, and the RNC.
In a surprising twist, Trump, during his speech celebrating his South Carolina primary win, hinted at his desire to see former adviser Kellyanne Conway join the RNC staff. However, Conway, a longtime Trump ally, expressed surprise at the suggestion, stating it was “news to me.”
Following McDaniel’s offer to resign, Trump endorsed North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley as her successor and backed his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, for the co-chair position. Whatley currently serves as the committee’s counsel.
While it is not uncommon for a national committee to undergo senior staff changes during an election year, the situation is complicated by the fact that Trump has not officially secured the required number of delegates to be the nominee. Furthermore, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is still contesting him in the primary. Despite this, Trump’s endorsement carries significant weight, making Whatley a strong contender for the new chair.
Recently, two RNC resolutions have been circulating that would require the committee to remain neutral until a 2024 GOP presidential candidate secures the required number of delegates to be the official nominee. The level of support these resolutions have among the RNC committeemen remains uncertain.
McDaniel, one of the longest-serving RNC chairs in modern history, has seen her relationship with Trump deteriorate recently. Disappointment over the RNC’s financial performance and perceived lack of support for his 2020 candidacy are believed to be the main points of contention.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.