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RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel reelected, vows 2022 GOP comeback

Published

3 years ago

January 8, 2021

Following a chaotic week in national politics with the deadly Capitol riots and the brutal Georgia runoffs, Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel was unanimously reelected Friday for another two years at the top of the Republican Party.

Her reelection comes days after Democrats swept both of Georgia’s U.S. Senate seats in the twin runoff elections this past Tuesday that was a stinging defeat for the GOP. Democrats now hold a razor-thin majority in the upper congressional chamber and have gained the last piece of the trifecta after winning the White House in November and the House back in the 2018 midterm elections.

In a speech at a party gathering in Florida, the former Michigan GOP chairwoman said she was “mad” about their defeat in Georgia and acknowledged that retaking both chambers of Congress in the 2022 midterms will be a challenge, vowing though to work to restore Republican control over the legislative branch during her next term as chair of the RNC.

“We have a lot of hard work to do to take back the Senate and the House in 2022, but I am mad and I’m not going to let socialism rule this country,” McDaniel pledged.

“I’m going to work with every single one of you to make sure we squash it and we take back the House and take back the Senate,” she continued.

“So Democrats, get ready, buckle your seatbelts,” the Michigan Republican added. “We’re coming.”

Notably, McDaniel, a reliable and vocal supporter of President Trump, did not bring up his 2020 presidential election defeat aside from vaguely saying “losing critical elections,” Jonathan Martin of The New York Times reported.

Good insight on how little appetite there is w RNC members to grapple w Trumpism:@GOPChairwoman speech to winter meeting includes no reference to his defeat beyond “losing critical elections”

And she condemns the riot but ignores Trump role in violence.
— Jonathan Martin (@jmartNYT) January 8, 2021

McDaniel first became the RNC chair in 2016, when Trump picked her to replace Reince Priebus, who then served as the president’s chief of staff for some months.

With her reelection also coming in the aftermath of Wednesday’s deadly riot, McDaniel made a point of denouncing the deadly breaching of the U.S. Capitol that resulted in five people dead and many injured, including at least 50 police officers.

“The violence does not represent acts of patriotism, but an attack on our country and its founding principles,” McDaniel said.

You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @Douglas_P_Braff.

Related Topics:Republicans RNC Ronna McDaniel

Featured

Historic House Vote Expels Rep. George Santos Amidst Scandal

Published

4 days ago

December 1, 2023

Alexander Carter

In a turn of events, the House of Representatives made history on Friday with a vote to expel Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), marking the first such expulsion in over two decades. A moment fraught with gravity unfolded as Speaker Mike Johnson wielded his gavel to formalize Santos’ removal, setting a precedent in congressional annals.

Santos, indicted on 23 counts related to wire fraud, identity theft, and other charges, has not faced conviction but stands accused of misusing campaign funds for opulent purchases. The bipartisan vote, tallying 311 to 114, signaled robust support for expulsion, with a marginally higher number of Republicans opting to retain Santos.

Questions loomed as Speaker Johnson left the chamber, his silence leaving the fate of the ongoing government spending battle uncertain. According to reports from Fox News, Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer emphasized the non-partisan nature of the decision, asserting that members concluded Santos had tarnished the House’s reputation and was unfit for representation.

Within the GOP, conflicting opinions emerged, with Rep. Darrell Issa arguing against expulsion, citing the presumption of innocence. The tight-lipped stance of the House Ethics Committee played a pivotal role in the deliberations.

Conversely, members of the New York Republican delegation, led by Rep. Marc Molinaro, asserted Santos’ commission of crimes, justifying expulsion based on a comprehensive investigation.

Santos himself predicted the outcome in an exclusive morning interview on “FOX & Friends.” This vote not only underlines the House’s rare use of expulsion powers but also sets a critical precedent in handling members facing severe legal challenges.