President-Elect Donald Trump Taps Ronna Romney McDaniel for RNC Chair

President-elect Donald J. Trump Wednesday tapped Ronna Romney McDaniel–the head of the Michigan Republican Party–for chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC). Unlike her uncle Gov. Mitt Romney, who was passed up for secretary of state, McDaniel was an early Trump supporter and would replace Reince Priebus as the head of the RNC in 2017.

“I’m excited to have a highly effective leader in Ronna McDaniel as RNC Deputy Chair and I look forward to her serving as the Party’s Chairman in 2017,” President-elect Trump said in a statement. “Ronna has been extremely loyal to our movement and her efforts were critical to our tremendous victory in Michigan, and I know she will bring the same passion to the Republican National Committee.”

With McDaniel the head of the Michigan GOP, the New York businessman was the first Republican to carry The Great Lakes State since 1988. While it is his decision to nominate for the post, the RNC would need to formally install her for the role next month. However, his nominee is expected to be affirmed.

To pave the way for the announcement, President-elect Trump said on Wednesday that McDaniel will serve as RNC deputy chairwoman and Trump for President Ohio State Director Bob Paduchik will be RNC deputy co-chairman.