'Dark Horse Candidate': Matt Gaetz Backs Surprise Replacement After Ronna McDaniel Expected To Step Down From RNC

On Tuesday evening, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) shocked the political world when he voiced his support for former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) to be considered to head up the Republican National Committee (RNC) after Ronna McDaniel was revealed to be stepping down from the position after the South Carolina Republican primary on February 24.

Gaetz, instrumental in ousting McCarthy from the Speaker's office last year, wrote on X/Twitter, "I fully endorse Kevin McCarthy for RNC Chair. 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."

McCarthy, known in Republican circles for his ability to fundraise for the GOP, has been out of the public limelight after resigning from Congress at the end of 2023 after being replaced by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). While McCarthy's political future remains undetermined, the potential to succeed McDaniel as RNC chairman would be an enticing good fit for the California politician, given that fundraising ability is high on the list of necessities for the RNC in 2024.

As previously reported by the DC Enquirer, McDaniel, the head of the RNC since 2017, reportedly told Trump in a Monday meeting at Mar-a-Lago that she would be stepping down after the South Carolina primary. Trump is then expected to promote North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley as McDaniel's replacement. However, RNC delegates will have to vote for a new committee chairman and may choose another candidate, such as McCarthy, against Trump's recommendation.

Trump seemingly is still on good terms with McDaniel, praising her success in flipping Michigan in 2016 via a Truth Social post the day of the meeting. "In my successful run in 2016, the State of Michigan really came through - First time in Decades that it was won by a Republican, and it was headed up by my friend Ronna McDaniel," Trump wrote. "Ronna is now Head of the RNC, and I'll be making a decision the day after the South Carolina Primary as to my recommendations for RNC Growth."

McDaniel previously faced a challenge to her chairmanship in January 2023 when former California Republican Chairwoman Harmeet Dhillon took her on. McDaniel survived despite a strong challenge, but then brought the RNC bank balance to the lowest levels since 2016. In November 2023, the RNC reported having only $9.96 million on hand compared to the Democrat National Committee's $20 million.

Given these massive financial windfalls ahead of the 2024 election, the RNC will need someone well-connected to raise funds quickly. While McCarthy received considerable criticism during his speakership, Gaetz's suggestion could be the lifeline he needs to reenter the political scene. 

You can follow Sterling on X/Twitter here.