The 2024 Republican National Committee (RNC) winter meeting held in Las Vegas this week was dominated by the consensus that Donald Trump is the party’s inevitable presidential nominee. Both pro-Trump and anti-Trump factions echoed this sentiment, reflecting Trump’s enduring influence over the GOP.
John Wahl, Alabama Republican Party chairman, stated, “Trump is going to be the nominee of the Republican Party unless something drastic happens over the next few months. Democrats are already looking toward the general election and campaigning against Trump. Republicans are ready to get there as well.”
Most of the 168 RNC committee members present either expressed their support for Trump or pledged to back the party’s eventual nominee. Nikki Haley, Trump’s last remaining rival, received little to no public support.
Rob Steele, an RNC committee member from Michigan, estimated that 70% of the committee members are individuals who became chairs and joined the committee since Trump’s first nomination in 2016.
Despite facing four criminal indictments and a civil defamation case, Trump is nearing the end of the Republican primary with victories in Iowa and New Hampshire. Haley, however, has vowed to continue her campaign beyond her home state of South Carolina.
The South Carolina primary on February 24 will be a critical juncture in the race between Trump and Haley. Despite being her home state where she served two terms as governor, Trump leads in the polls. He has also received endorsements from several state politicians, including Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott, Governor Henry McMaster, and Representative Nancy Mace.
Members of the RNC expressed a sense of urgency for the primary to conclude and a definitive nominee to emerge. Evan Power, Florida Republican Party chairman, emphasized the need for unity and swift action to counter potential Democratic control.
Despite concerns about Trump’s legal issues, many RNC officials dismissed the potential impact on the election. Richard Porter, an RNC committee member from Illinois, described the legal cases as “ridiculous” and a form of “election interference”.
However, some RNC committee members expressed concerns that the court cases could distract from the focus on Biden’s record. Henry Barbour, an RNC committee member from Mississippi, stated, “We would like the election to be a referendum on Biden’s failed presidency, but if we nominate Donald Trump, it will be about him rather than Biden.”
The meeting also highlighted internal conflicts within the party, particularly regarding RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel’s handling of the organization’s budget and finances. Despite criticisms, a resolution to add stipulations to the RNC budget failed decisively.
The meeting concluded with a call for unity and focus on defeating Democrats in the upcoming election. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo emphasized the critical role of the RNC in his election and urged members to tailor their campaign messages to their respective states or districts.