Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel plans to resign immediately after the South Carolina primary in late February, according to the New York Times (NYT).
Two sources familiar with the plan told media outlets that McDaniel has informed leading Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump of his decision. Sources told The New York Times that the former president plans to promote North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley to replace McDaniel. (Related: ‘Revenue Issues’: Concerns grow over Republican finances heading into 2024)
Trump’s promotion of Whatley could increase support from other committee members, but committee rules require a new election to officially replace McDaniel. The NYT reported that there is.
McDaniel won He will begin his fourth term as chairman in January 2023 following a challenge from lawyer Harmeet Dhillon and entrepreneur Mike Lindell. McDaniel faces increasing pressure from his Republican opponents after serving as the party’s longest-serving chairman since its first chairman, Edwin Morgan, and the party’s performance has declined in the past three elections. Many people said that.
The notable losses for Republicans were massive in 2022, as many on the right claimed a “red wave” was coming. However, Dr. Mehmet Oz lost to then-Democratic Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman, former NFL running back Herschel Walker lost to then-Democratic Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock, and former General Don Bolduc lost to Democratic New Hampshire Sen. It failed to oust state Sen. Maggie Hassan. Additionally, Republican gubernatorial candidates Kari Lake and Doug Mastriano lost elections in Arizona and Pennsylvania, respectively.
MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 8: RNC Chairman speaks before the NBC News Republican presidential primary debate at the Miami-Dade County Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on November 8, 2023 in Miami, Florida. Ronna McDaniel. Five presidential candidates, including former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina). However, as a former American, he faced off in the third Republican primary debate. President Donald Trump, who is currently indicted on four counts, again refused to participate. (Photo by Joe Radle/Getty Images)
Near the halfway point of McDaniel’s fourth term, conservative judicial nominee Daniel Kelly lost the race for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which McDaniel blamed on a “messaging issue.” did. Notably, Republicans provided significantly less money to Kerry, as Kerry’s rival, Janet Protasiewicz, won 55.8% of the vote, defeating the conservative, according to campaign finance polls. Worth it. report.
By late 2023, many within the RNC had major concerns about the group’s finances as large donations dropped ahead of the 2024 election, according to the Washington Post. The RNC had just $9.1 million in cash on hand as of Oct. 30, the lowest amount since 2015, according to a report released by the RNC. The RNC appears to have seen a decline in both large and small donations in recent years, as Mr. Trump and other party members have expressed concerns about the committee’s fundraising. (Related: ‘Keep failing’: Republicans to end debate season in Disney’s arms)
Beyond financial issues and the RNC’s losing pattern, McDaniel also faced criticism during the debate. Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has repeatedly criticized the RNC chairman’s leadership. During the third Republican presidential debate, Ramaswamy called for McDaniel’s resignation, saying Republicans needed “accountability” within the party. Additionally, former Republican candidates have started a petition calling for McDaniel’s ouster through a site called FireRonna.com.
Most recently, President Trump suggested in an interview with Fox on Sunday that there would be “some changes” at the RNC when asked about McDaniel’s performance. The former president said people are “not paying attention to the RNC” anymore, and he emphasized that he is “distant” from the committee.
“I mean, I have a lot of money, but people don’t pay attention to the RNC because of the money they got,” Trump said. “They want change. You have to understand, I have no affiliation with the RNC, I’m independent.”
