After reports broke that Ronna McDaniel may step down as RNC Chairwoman, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) ‘endorsed’ former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy for the role.
McCarthy reportedly is a dark horse candidate for RNC Chair due to his fundraising abilities.
“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,” Gaetz said.
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… https://t.co/7EquxhIBIc
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) February 7, 2024
Although many people believe Gaetz’s post was sarcasm, the Florida Republican hasn’t addressed his ‘endorsement.’
Matt Gaetz proposes Kevin McCarthy for RNC chairman | Just The News https://t.co/HQpvFQiVWd
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) February 7, 2024
Just the News reports:
Reactions on X were divided, with many suggesting that Gaetz was merely joking. He, however, has not followed up on the original post as of press time.
The House in October voted to remove McCarthy as Speaker, a first in national history. Gaetz, for his part, led the small group of Republican detractors in removing him. McCarthy resigned from the House in late December.
Gaetz’s endorsement came in the wake of reports of McDaniel’s impending departure. During her tenure, the party faced fundraising shortfalls and the party in January was reportedly exploring a credit line to address its falling revenue.
Read some of the reactions to Gaetz’s post below:
The number of conservatives that didn’t get the humor or joke in this post is why we lose elections.,,
FFS…
— Matt Couch (@RealMattCouch) February 7, 2024
This is MASTERFUL SARCASM. 🤣🤣🤣
— The Patriot Voice (@TPV_John) February 7, 2024
https://twitter.com/themarketswork/status/1755258206488825930
Matt is trolling Kevin McCarthy this is hilarious 🤣 https://t.co/VLbUeveV2v
— Kathleen Winchell ❤️🤍💙🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@KathleenWinche3) February 7, 2024
You've got to be joking Matt. I certainly hope this is just satire.
Kevin McCarthy failed as House Speaker.
What makes you think he'll do any better as RNC Chair ? He's no different than Ronna Romney a complete failure.
We need someone that's America First as the next Chair. https://t.co/mNBcljV31d
— 🇺🇲 Silent Silas 🇺🇲 (@RagingKuJo1222) February 7, 2024
ABC News reports:
Ronna McDaniel, the chair of the Republican National Committee, has discussed with Donald Trump the possibility of resigning from her position after the South Carolina primary, according to multiple sources familiar with the conversation.
Sources caution that discussions are fluid, but if McDaniel steps down, he is likely to support Michael Whatley, who serves as the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party.
McDaniel has faced pressure to step down for months, with calls only growing after the RNC reported poor fundraising numbers. Trump has hinted changes were coming, suggesting in an interview with Newsmax that McDaniel step down as chairwoman.
In a statement to ABC News, RNC Spokesperson Keith Schipper says, “Nothing has changed. This will be decided after South Carolina.”
The Trump campaign has not returned requests for comment.
In January, McDaniel was re-elected for her fourth term as chair, saying at the time, “It is an honor to be re-elected as Chairwoman of the RNC, and I am deeply grateful that our members have entrusted me with another term in this role.”