In 2017, Republicans chose Ronna Romney McDaniel to lead the Republican National Committee (RNC). She was re-elected for a fourth term in January 2024, but she has since announced her resignation.
McDaniel declared her intention to resign as chairwoman on February 26, with plans to do so within a week. She specified that her departure would occur on March 8 in Houston, allowing the party’s nominee to appoint a new chairperson of their preference. McDaniel emphasized that this transition is customary, as the party typically undergoes changes upon the nomination of a candidate, and she had always intended to uphold this tradition.
Reports indicate that Former President Donald Trump, who holds significant influence within the GOP, is expected to personally select McDaniel’s successor. Trump has expressed his preference for Michael Whatley, the committee’s general counsel and current chairman of the North Carolina GOP, to assume leadership of the RNC. Additionally, he has indicated a desire for his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, to join as co-chair.
While the former president does not hold the official leadership position within the party, he is widely deferred to in matters of decision-making. It is highly likely that Lara Trump and Whatley will secure the necessary support to assume their roles. McDaniel informed Trump of her intention to resign during a meeting in Florida a few weeks ago. She committed to announcing her decision regarding the South Carolina primary on February 24. The former president emerged victorious over former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley in the state, positioning himself as the presumptive nominee.
McDaniel’s tenure as chairwoman of the party has been marked by controversy. Republicans faced significant losses in the House, Senate, and White House during her leadership. While they did manage to regain control of the House, it was by a narrow margin.
Furthermore, the party entered the 2024 general election year with only $8 million in funds, the lowest amount since 2013, indicating a decline in fundraising efforts. This financial shortfall is likely to affect down-ballot races in the upcoming November election unless new leadership can improve the situation.
