Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel will step down from her position after the Super Tuesday primaries on March 5. This decision comes after former President Trump called for new leadership within the party. Trump has recommended North Carolina GOP Chair Michael Whatley to take over as chairman, with Lara Trump and campaign senior adviser Chris LaCivita also receiving leadership positions.
In a statement, McDaniel expressed gratitude for her time as Chairwoman, saying, “It has been the honor and privilege of my life to serve the Republican National Committee for seven years as Chairwoman to elect Republicans and grow our Party.” She further explained that she will step aside at the Spring Training event in Houston on March 8 to allow the nominee to select their own chair. McDaniel emphasized that change within the RNC has been a tradition after a nominee is chosen.
Despite her resignation, McDaniel remains committed to the Republican Party’s goals of winning back the White House and electing Republicans in November. She thanked her husband, family, and RNC staff for their support throughout her tenure.
Former President Trump’s call for new leadership at the RNC comes as he moves closer to securing the Republican presidential nomination. He met with McDaniel at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida in early February. Following the meeting, Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that while McDaniel is a “friend,” he would be pushing for changes within the party committee after the South Carolina GOP presidential primary on February 24.
McDaniel’s nomination as Chairwoman came shortly after Trump’s election victory in 2016, and she was re-elected in 2019, 2021, and January of last year. However, she faced criticism from some far-right factions who believed she was too closely aligned with the party’s establishment wing.
In an interview with Fox News after her re-election last year, McDaniel stated that it would be her final two-year term leading the national party committee.
Overall, McDaniel’s resignation as RNC Chairwoman marks a significant shift in leadership within the party. As the Republican presidential nominee draws closer to being determined, Trump’s call for new leadership reflects his desire for a fresh direction for the GOP. The upcoming Super Tuesday primaries will likely play a crucial role in shaping the party’s future, and the selection of a new chair will be an important decision for the Republican nominee.
