
(TheRedWire.com) – There were a few notable bright spots for Republicans in the 2022 midterm elections, despite a poor showing in a race many believed would result in a red wave for them. In deep blue New York, gubernatorial Republican candidate Lee Zeldin overperformed, according to many, losing to Democratic incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul 47.9% to 52.9%. After the election, some GOP members pushed Zeldin to run against Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, who has led the party since 2017.
On Tuesday, December 7, Zeldin announced on Twitter that he was forgoing the opportunity to run against McDaniel, a niece to moderate Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT). Still, the former congressman said the chairwoman should step down from her position and not run for a fourth term. He said it was time for new leadership ahead of the 2024 presidential and congressional elections.
RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel should not run for a 4th term.
I won’t be running for RNC Chair at this time with McDaniel’s reelection pre-baked by design, but that doesn’t mean she should even be running again.
It’s time the GOP elects new leadership!
It’s time for fresh blood!
— Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) December 7, 2022
Zeldin said the GOP must get better at fundraising, spending money more efficiently, messaging smarter, and developing a stronger presence in Democratic areas, among other ideas. Although he isn’t running to replace McDaniel, at least two others have announced their intentions.
RNC committeewoman and attorney Harmeet Dhillion declared she is running. Dhillion said the last three elections saw underwhelming results for Republicans, yet party leaders praised themselves. My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell also announced he was running. The winning candidate must secure a majority of the 168 RNC committee members’ votes early in January 2023.
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