Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Ronna McDaniel has announced her intention to run for a fourth term, setting the stage for a potentially contested leadership election within the GOP. This decision comes in the wake of the midterm elections, which, despite Republican expectations, yielded mixed results, prompting some within the party to consider changes in leadership as they look ahead to the 2024 presidential cycle.
McDaniel communicated her decision to RNC members nationwide, as confirmed by sources familiar with the call. However, the announcement arrives at a time of internal reflection and debate within the Republican party. Following the midterm elections, certain Republican insiders are reportedly advocating for a leadership shake-up at the RNC to better position the party for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. This sentiment has spurred discussions around potential alternative candidates for the RNC chair position.
Among those being discussed are prominent figures like Mercedes Schlapp and Congressman Lee Zeldin. Mercedes Schlapp, a former Trump White House official and wife of American Conservative Union President Matt Schlapp, has reportedly engaged in conversations with allies regarding a potential bid. Matt Schlapp confirmed that they have “fielded calls” and did not dismiss the possibility of his wife entering the race. He emphasized Mercedes Schlapp’s strengths, particularly her Cuban American background, suggesting that her election could resonate strongly with the growing Hispanic voter base that the Republican party has been actively courting. An RNC leadership role for Mercedes Schlapp could signal a significant outreach to Latino communities.
Another name circulating as a potential challenger is Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York. Zeldin, who recently ran for New York governor and outperformed expectations in a challenging race, is also reportedly considering a bid for RNC chair. His consultant, John Brabender, indicated that Zeldin is likely to explore this possibility after receiving encouragement from supporters. Zeldin’s strong performance in the New York gubernatorial race has raised his profile within the party, positioning him as a viable contender for a leadership role.
David Bossie, a former official from the Trump campaign, has also been mentioned in discussions about potential RNC chair candidates. However, Bossie has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding his intentions.
Ronna McDaniel has served as the RNC chair since 2017, securing the position with the backing of then newly-elected President Donald Trump. As the current chair, she is now seeking to maintain her leadership as the party navigates the post-midterm landscape and gears up for the next presidential election cycle.
The election for the RNC chair is scheduled to take place at the party’s winter meeting in January. The 168 members of the committee will cast their votes to determine who will lead the Republican National Committee into the crucial election years ahead. The coming weeks are expected to see further developments as potential candidates formalize their decisions and the race for RNC chair intensifies.
