McDaniel to step down as RNC chair March 8 as Trump marches toward nomination

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Ronna McDaniel will resign from her post March 8, she said early Monday, as former President Trump looks to shuffle the organization’s leadership as he closes in on the party’s presidential nomination.

“It has been the honor and privilege of my life to serve the Republican National Committee for seven years as Chairwoman to elect Republicans and grow our Party,” McDaniel said in a statement.

“I have decided to step aside at our Spring Training on March 8 in Houston to allow our nominee to select a Chair of their choosing,” she continued. “The RNC has historically undergone change once we have a nominee and it has always been my intention to honor that tradition.”

McDaniel’s decision was not unexpected. She had reportedly planned to step down after the South Carolina primary Saturday, and Trump has already endorsed his preferred replacement, RNC general counsel Michael Whatley.

RNC co-chair Drew McKissick said in a statement Monday that he would also resign from his role in March. Trump has endorsed his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, to serve as the next co-chair.