'Long overdue': Internet rejoices as Ronna McDaniel announces she will quit RNC chair after Super Tuesday

MIAMI, FLORIDA: Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel has announced her decision to step down from her position, amidst growing criticism of her leadership.

In a statement released on Monday, February 26, McDaniel stated that she would resign on March 8, just days after the Super Tuesday primaries, where Republican voters from 16 states and territories will cast their votes for the party's presidential nominee. 

Coordinated Resignations

McDaniel's announcement also coincided with the resignation of RNC Co-Chair Drew McKissick, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve. 

“I’m honored to have had the privilege to serve as RNC Co-Chair for this past year, as well as to have worked with so many grassroots leaders to help make our party successful. It’s what drives me,” McKissick said.

“And of course being willing to put self aside for the sake of building a team and focusing on winning is a big part of being successful.”

This decision follows weeks of speculation and comes in the wake of former President Donald Trump's suggestion for a change in leadership within the RNC.

"It’s 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 remarked, highlighting her proudest achievements, including the outcome of the 2022 midterms and "firing" California Democrat Nancy Pelosi as House Speaker.

“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 said.

“The RNC has historically undergone change once we have a nominee and it has always been my intention to honor that tradition."

Trump, who had previously endorsed McDaniel for the position, hinted at her departure amidst criticism over the party's finances and grassroots efforts.

Trump's remarks followed reports of low fundraising numbers, raising concerns about the RNC's ability to support upcoming election campaigns.

The former president said he thought “she did great when she ran Michigan for me” and “she did OK initially in the RNC.” However, he also added, “I would say right now there’ll probably be some changes made."

Trump's Preferred Successor

Trump's preference for Michael Whatley, the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, to succeed McDaniel reflects Whatley's alignment with Trump's views on voting fraud and his instrumental role in delivering North Carolina in the 2020 election.

Whatley, who also serves as general counsel at the RNC, has advocated for stricter voting laws in response to fraud concerns.

In addition to endorsing Whatley, Trump is expected to nominate his daughter-in-law Lara Trump as the co-chair of the party, with campaign aide Chris LaCivita as the party's chief operating officer, per the New York Post.

Lara Trump has pledged to prioritize support for her father-in-law's presidential bid and to focus on strengthening Republican representation in Congress if elected.

“Every penny will go to making sure Donald Trump is the 47th president, to ensuring that we have great candidates, to expand our lead in the House, and to take back the Senate," she said.

However, Trump's Republican challenger, Nikki Haley, has expressed reservations about familial appointments within the RNC leadership.

“I would hope that the people in the RNC know that they have the responsibility to put in people in the RNC who are going to look out in the best interest of all the Republican Party, not just one person,” she said to reporters, per ABC News.

Social Media Reactions

That said, social media was inundated with reactions following McDaniel's announcement.

"Should have happened after 2020," one posted on X.

"Thank God! She did absolutely nothing to help Republicans!" another reacted.

"Long overdue," a comment read.

"About Time Now Let’s Fix the RNC," someone else wrote.

"I can now donate again," another chimed in.