Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel is preparing to step down from her role later this month, according to several reports, potentially allowing former President Donald Trump to handpick her replacement.
RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel delivers remarks before the NBC News Republican Presidential Primary ... [+]
According to the New York Times, which reported the matter first, citing unnamed sources, McDaniel is reportedly planning to step down after the South Carolina primary on February 24.
Citing two unnamed party advisers, CNN reported McDaniel has informed Trump about her plans to step down.
According to the Times, Trump is likely to back vocal supporter North Carolina GOP chair Michael Whatley—who has endorsed Trump’s false claims about a stolen 2020 election—as McDaniel’s replacement.
Trump, however, will not be simply able to install his preferred candidate as McDaniel’s replacement, as RNC committee members will have to vote on the matter.
Two other Trump supporters, South Carolina Republican Party chairman Drew McKissick and Florida state Sen. Joe Gruters are also reportedly in contention for the role.
RNC spokesperson Keith Schipper commented on the report on X, writing: “Nothing has changed. This will be decided after South Carolina.”
In an odd twist, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) shared a report on X about former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)—whom he helped oust from the role—being in the running for the role and said he would “fully endorse” the California lawmaker. Gaetz called McCarthy “well organized and a very high-revenue fundraiser,” but also appeared to take a shot at him, saying “The RNC Chair doesn’t make any policy decisions, set any agenda, or negotiate against Democrats, ever.”
Earlier on Tuesday, RNC Chief of Staff Mike Reed reportedly informed his colleagues he was stepping down next month to pursue a role in the private sector. Reed said he had informed McDaniel about this “a year ago,” but both decided he would continue to serve “until the 2024 Winter Meeting,” which was held last week.