Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said her goodbyes to staffers during a staff meeting on Wednesday morning as she has made the decision to step down as the committee’s leader.
In a tearful speech, she said, “We’ve gone through a lot these past four years or seven years. We had everything against this building, especially people in our own side. And that’s the most unfortunate part about it. I’m so proud of what we’ve done. And I’m just so honored to work with all of you. So, I wanted to say thank you.”
She then advised the employees to stand strong during the 20024 election, saying, “Do not let anything on the outside deter you from knowing the strength and the importance of this building and what we do and what we’ve got.”
“And I’m holding my head high. All of you should hold your head high. We don’t win elections without a strong RNC and anybody who says otherwise is wrong,” she added as her voice cracked.
McDaniel will be resigning officially after the Super Tuesday primaries, which is scheduled for March 5.
“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,” she revealed in a statement on Monday.
“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. The RNC has historically undergone change once we have a nominee and it has always been my intention to honor that tradition,” she added, expressing an unshaken commitment to “winning back the White House and electing Republicans up and down the ballot in November.”
Former President Donald Trump pushed for McDaniel to resign earlier this month as he called for new leadership and general change at the RNC.
While he called McDaniel a “friend,” he already made recommendations for changes within the GOP’s national party committee, proposing that North Carolina GOP chair Michael Whatley replace McDaniel as chairman while his daughter-in-law Lara Trump serves as co-chair.
