The future of the Republican National Committee is not clear as the committee faces leadership turmoil, and former President Donald Trump appears to be putting his thumb on how changes are made should he be the party’s nominee.
Trump, who recommended RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel for the position in 2017, said he plans to make recommendations to improve the party after the South Carolina primaries. That could include either ousting McDaniel or diminishing her power by creating two more co-chairs, sources told NBC News.
Trump does not have the authority to replace anyone at the RNC by himself. A vote must be held for any leadership change, but his position as the likely presidential nominee gives his preferences weight with the committee.
Should McDaniel resign after South Carolina or be removed by the party, the question that remains is who could replace her. Here is a look at some of the top contenders.
Michael Whatley
Two people familiar with Trump’s plans for the committee have indicated that the former president could select North Carolina GOP Chairman Michael Whatley for the coveted position, according to the New York Times.
One source also told Fox News that Trump is considering Whatley because he was “so powerful on election fraud.” Whatley has served as the North Carolina GOP chairman since 2019 and is also the general counsel for the RNC.
Reince Priebus
One alternative way Trump could shake things up in the party’s leadership is by separating the committee into two separate organizations. If he does that, then Trump would likely establish one chairman to oversee the party’s finances and one person to manage the daily operations of the party. Former RNC Chairman Reince Priebus has been floated to oversee the finance aspect of the party.
Priebus also served as Trump’s White House chief of staff during the first six months of his presidency.
Mega GOP donor Linda McMahon and longtime Trump ally and casino magnate Steve Wynn have also been floated to lead the financial side of the committee, according to NBC.
Chris LaCivita
If Trump chooses to go with two co-chairs, Trump 2024 campaign adviser Chris LaCivita has been flagged as a possible contender to lead the administrative side of the committee.
LaCivita works as a political consultant and partner with FP1 Strategies and is one of Trump’s co-campaign managers. Susan Wiles serves as Trump’s other campaign manager, but she has not been proposed as a party leader so far.
Other possible leaders
Although Trump has not indicated that he would support former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) for RNC chairman, the ex-congressman was jokingly suggested as a candidate by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who said he would be perfect for the job.
“I fully endorse Kevin McCarthy for RNC Chair,” Gaetz wrote on X. “Kevin is well organized and a very high-revenue fundraiser. He will also be well-liked by the RNC Committee. The RNC Chair doesn’t make any policy decisions, set any agenda, or negotiate against Democrats, ever. Kevin would be terrific.”
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Attorney Harmeet Dhillon has also been floated as a possible contender. Dhillon ran against McDaniel in her most recent election but only received 51 votes. Dhillon has denied any interest in running again, claiming she is happy where she is.
“Each version of RNC Game of Thrones I hear is worse than the last one,” Dhillon posted to X on Monday. “To be clear, I’m not seeking the chair position. We had an election, I lost, shook the victor’s hand, and offered my support. But there are plenty of folks gunning for it.”
