Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) of Florida is talking about a possible replacement for Ronna McDaniel, the chair of the Republican National Committee, who just announced her retirement following a meeting with former President Donald Trump.
In a perceptive blog post supporting former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s leadership of the RNC, Gaetz supported McCarthy’s fundraising abilities and voiced confidence in his ability to revitalize the committee after years of declining donations.
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“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, per Fox News, wrote on Tuesday.
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The Calvin Coolidge Project published a story that prompted the comment on X, indicating that insiders saw McCarthy as a “dark horse candidate” for the job.
When POLITICO inquired about his post, Gaetz said, “The tweet speaks for itself.”
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), a conservative who first backed McCarthy but then changed his support to Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), said that Gaetz’s endorsement is indicative of his capacity to elicit responses from others, interpreting it as being in line with Gaetz’s custom.
“My initial thought was Matt sure knows how to troll,” Donalds said. “I thought it was tongue in cheek.”
“I noted a twinge of sarcasm in that comment,” When questioned about Gaetz’s post, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) added.
Whatever Gaetz’s intentions, colleagues agree that McCarthy—who set a record for House Republicans’ fundraising in 2023—would be a huge asset to the financially troubled RNC.
“That’s a tip of the hat to Gaetz to get somebody with new energy, new perspective and a proven track record of being just a massive fundraiser,” POLITICO was informed by Rep. Aaron Bean (R-FL). “If you’re looking for somebody to build a majority, I think Kevin McCarthy would be the guy.”
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McCarthy, according to Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), “did a heck of a job as Speaker.”
“That’s fascinating,” Diaz-Balart mentioned Gaetz’s support for McCarthy. “That is fascinating.”
Fox was informed by sources familiar with the RNC’s decision-making process that McDaniel’s replacement has not yet been chosen. The chair’s immediate priority is to ensure a seamless transition following the February 24th Republican primary in South Carolina. Integrating the RNC’s 2024 political activities with those of former President Donald Trump, the presumed contender for president, is a crucial component of this endeavor.
Gaetz and McCarthy had a long-standing feud that grew more intense in 2023 when Gaetz teamed up with Democrats and a group of extreme conservatives to remove McCarthy from office. As a result of this turmoil, there were several nominations and vote rounds prior to the selection of Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). Last month, McCarthy announced his resignation from Congress, taking a last swipe at his fellow lawmakers.
According to further individuals who were present at McDaniel’s discussion with Trump, the former president is expected to back Michael Whatley, the chair of the North Carolina GOP and a member of the RNC. Trump recognizes Whatley’s role in helping him win the state in 2020.
