RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel to Step Down on March 8

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Ronna McDaniel has announced that she will step down as RNC Chair on March 8 at the RNC Spring Training in Houston. She is one of the longest-serving chairs in modern history at the RNC.

Key Details: McDaniel has been the chair of the RNC since 2017 after receiving the support of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump to replace Reince Priebus. She was then re-endorsed by Trump in 2019 and 2021. She was challenged by a handful of candidates for RNC Chair in 2023 after critics cited a lack of electoral success and questioned the RNC's spending. Despite those criticisms, McDaniel was again re-elected and has served four terms.

Key Quote: "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 on Monday.

For Context: The announcement comes after former President Trump announced he was supporting North Carolina GOP Chair Michael Whatley as the new RNC Chair. Trump is also supporting his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, as Co-Chair.

How the Media Covered it: Some sources on the left noted that McDaniel's resignation is another indication of Trump's status as the Republican Party's de facto leader. Some sources on the right noted McDaniel's long tenure as RNC Chair.