WASHINGTON — Ronna McDaniel announced on Monday her forthcoming departure as chairwoman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), scheduled for next month. This decision comes in the wake of former President Donald Trump's endorsement of a new leadership team for the party.
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The announcement by McDaniel closely follows the South Carolina primary on Saturday and comes less than two weeks after Trump expressed his support for Michael Whatley, the North Carolina GOP chairman, as the next RNC chairman. Lara Trump, the former president's daughter-in-law, was endorsed for the position of co-chair, and Chris LaCivita, a top campaign aide, was chosen for the role of the party's chief operating officer.
The New York Times was the first to report McDaniel's decision.
In her official statement, McDaniel expressed her gratitude for the "honor and privilege" of serving as chairwoman for seven years. She highlighted various accomplishments, including the dismissal of Nancy Pelosi, securing the popular vote in 2022, establishing an Election Integrity Department, initiating the committee's first small-dollar grassroots donor program, strengthening state parties through the Growing Republican Organizations to Win program, expanding minority outreach at community centers, and launching Bank Your Vote to encourage early voting among Republicans.
McDaniel revealed her intention to step down at the Spring Training event on March 8 in Houston, allowing the party's nominee to select a chair of their choice. She emphasized that the RNC traditionally undergoes changes after nominating a candidate, and she aims to honor that tradition.
Trump had personally chosen McDaniel as RNC chair after the 2016 election when Reince Priebus left the post to become his first chief of staff at the White House. McDaniel successfully secured a fourth term in January 2023, defeating challenger Harmeet Dhillon.
At 50, McDaniel was the second woman to lead the RNC. She previously served as the chair of the Republican Party in Michigan, overseeing Trump's victorious 2016 campaign in the state.
Trump, in a recent interview with Fox News, hinted at anticipated changes at the RNC, expressing his assessment of McDaniel's performance. While acknowledging her success in running Michigan for him, Trump indicated that there might be "some changes made" at the RNC.
