Ronna McDaniel, the longest-serving Chairwoman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), will be stepping down after the upcoming South Carolina GOP primary on February 24. The impending change in party leadership comes shortly after President Donald Trump announced a push for new leadership while there is still time to right the ship before this year’s critical federal elections.
McDaniel assumed leadership of the RNC in 2016. Reports indicate she told President Trump of her decision to resign during a recent meeting at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Her tenure, while initially marked by successes, has recently faced criticism due to the RNC’s dwindling financial resources and underperformance in recent election cycles.
Under McDaniel’s leadership, the RNC concluded 2023 with just $8 million in cash on hand, a sharp contrast to the Democratic National Committee’s more robust financial status. In comparison, the Trump campaign ended the year with a substantial $42 million, underlining the 45th president’s continued influence and fundraising prowess.
BREAKING: RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel has told Donald Trump she will be resigning after the South Carolina primary.
Good 🔥
Here is what Vivek Ramaswamy had to say about McDaniel during the primary debates.
"We've become a party of losers… Since Ronna McDaniel took over as… pic.twitter.com/MvnuidPjdH
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 7, 2024
Trump has been vocal about his desire for changes within the party’s leadership. His preference for Michael Whatley, current North Carolina Republican Party Chairman, as McDaniel’s successor clearly indicates his strategy to consolidate support. Whatley, known for his stance on voting laws and echoing Trump’s concerns about election integrity, represents a direction more aligned with Trump’s vision for the party.
Meanwhile, Rep. Matt Gaetz’ (R-FL) remarks on Tuesday add another layer to the conversation about the RNC’s future. Gaetz’s endorsement of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) for the RNC Chair is an odd mix of praise and pointed critique. Gaetz’s vision of the RNC as a “skeletal system that raises money” without meddling in policy decisions indicates a preference for a more efficient organization focused on fundraising.
I fully endorse Kevin McCarthy for RNC Chair. Kevin is well organized and a very high-revenue fundraiser. He will also be well-liked by the RNC Committee.
The RNC Chair doesn’t make any policy decisions, set any agenda, or negotiate against Democrats, ever.
Kevin would be… https://t.co/7EquxhIBIc
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) February 7, 2024
This reshuffling within the RNC comes as Trump solidifies his position as the GOP’s frontrunner for the 2024 nomination. His endorsement of Whatley, coupled with McDaniel’s exit, signals a strategic move to strengthen his influence over the party’s apparatus.
The RNC, poised for a new era under Trump’s recommended leadership, faces opportunities and challenges. While McDaniel’s tenure saw notable achievements, the call for change reflects a party ready to adapt and rally behind its most influential figure. Trump’s strategy, focusing on robust fundraising and a strong stance on election integrity, could be pivotal in the GOP’s quest to regain political ground.
