Ronna McDaniel, the long-standing chairwoman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), announced her resignation, effective March 8, in the wake of Super Tuesday, according to a statement obtained by ABC News.
McDaniel’s departure comes after seven years of steering the GOP through pivotal moments, including the 2020 general election and the 2022 midterm elections.
Hand-picked by former President Donald Trump shortly after his 2016 election victory, McDaniel has been a central figure in the party’s leadership. Her resignation is seen as a move to allow the nominee for the 2024 presidential election to select their preferred chair.
Trump has already endorsed replacements for key positions within the RNC. Michael Whatley, the current North Carolina GOP Chair, has received Trump’s endorsement as the new chair, while Lara Trump, Trump’s daughter-in-law, is endorsed for co-chair. Additionally, Chris LaCivita, one of Trump’s senior advisers, has been endorsed for the role of chief operating officer.
The shakeup within the RNC leadership aligns with Trump’s ongoing influence within the Republican Party, as he remains a dominant force in GOP politics. Whatley, known for his support of Trump’s claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election, has garnered Trump’s praise for his efforts to ensure election integrity.
McDaniel’s resignation comes just days before Super Tuesday, a crucial moment in the presidential primary season, and shortly after her home state of Michigan holds its primary. Despite speculation about potential successors, including Drew McKissick, who serves as the current RNC co-chair, Trump’s endorsements signal a clear direction for the party’s leadership.
However, not all members of the RNC are aligned with Trump’s choices. Some have expressed concerns over potential conflicts of interest, particularly regarding the possibility of RNC funds being used to cover Trump’s legal fees. Draft resolutions have been circulated among RNC members to prevent such actions and to ensure the party’s independence from individual interests.
