It’s anticipated that Ronna McDaniel will resign from her role as the leader of the Republican National Committee following the South Carolina primary. Despite winning re-election in January, she apparently informed former President Donald Trump that she would step down if he desired, a wish he has expressed. The Republican presidential contender has recently revealed his selections for the new leadership of the RNC.
Trump made a statement on February 12, emphasizing the imperative for the RNC to function as a reliable partner in the presidential election. He stressed the necessity for the national party to fulfill Republican expectations flawlessly, which includes ensuring fair and transparent elections nationwide.
The ex-president has declared his preference for Michael Whatley, the current North Carolina GOP Chairman, to assume the role of the next RNC chair. Additionally, he has expressed his desire for Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law and wife of Eric Trump, to serve as the co-chair. Although Mrs. Trump has collaborated closely with the national party in recent years, she has not previously held any leadership positions within it.
Since Trump’s announcement, there has been growing concern surrounding Whatley. The Associated Press reports that some members of his party have accused him of fabricating his victory in last year’s election for North Carolina’s GOP chair position.
The election utilized electronic software, with indications that certain ballots were not properly cast, a fact acknowledged by the chairman. However, he denies that these glitches contributed to his victory in the race. John Kane Jr., Whatley’s opponent, expressed concerns about the voting issues, suggesting that they led him to question whether the chairman was either grossly incompetent or felt compelled to resort to cheating in order to secure victory.
Hailing from Watauga County, North Carolina, Whatley began his political involvement by volunteering for his inaugural campaign during high school in 1984. By 2000, he had joined George W. Bush’s legal team. Subsequently, leveraging his connections, he transitioned into a career as a lobbyist. However, in 2015, he returned to his roots in North Carolina and became an early advocate for Trump. As of now, he has refrained from commenting on the possibility of assuming the role of RNC chairman.