RNC chair Ronna McDaniel stepping aside for Trump loyalists
Published Date: 2/26/2024
Source: axios.com
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel is resigning on March 8, she said in a statement Monday after former President Trump easily won the South Carolina primary on Saturday.
Why it matters: McDaniel's resignation came after a pressure campaign from Trump, who has endorsed a triumvirate of loyalists to take over the RNC.
- Michael Whatley, chair of the North Carolina GOP, to become leader.
- Trump campaign senior adviser Chris LaCivita to effectively serve as COO.
- His daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, to serve as co-chair.
Zoom in: McDaniel's resignation is another sign of the former president's status as the party's de factor leader.
- "The RNC has historically undergone change once we have a nominee and it has always been my intention to honor that tradition," McDaniel said in the statement.
- Trump on his social media platform Truth Social earlier this month signaled that he might make changes at the RNC following the Feb. 24 South Carolina primary.
- "Ronna is now Head of the RNC, and I'll be making a decision the day after the South Carolina Primary as to my recommendations for RNC Growth," he wrote.
The big picture: The RNC raised $87.2 million in 2023 and entered 2024 with just $8 million in cash, its lowest cash on hand total since 2014, according to FEC filings.
- The New York Times first reported on McDaniel's plans to resign.
Editor's note: This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.