In light of the GOP’s underwhelming performance in midterm elections nationwide, a number of high-profile Republicans have been increasingly critical of the party’s leadership.
While much of that backlash has been directed at Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), recent reports indicate that at least two prominent figures are prepared to challenge Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel, who is seeking a fourth term in the position.
MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell recently weighed in on the topic with his claim that McDaniel has not been forceful enough in pursuing claims of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election.
“One of the things I will tell you, you know, [we] will never stop to get rid of these machines and make this the best elections in world history in our country,” he said. “We need someone everybody, and I’ll step into that, if God willing.”
Mike Lindell announces that he has been drafted by his fans and supporters to run against Ronna McDaniel for RNC Chair, but he has to pray on it first. pic.twitter.com/JPNBCoX6uk
— Ron Filipkowski 🇺🇦 (@RonFilipkowski) November 24, 2022
Lindell went on to confirm that he is considering a bid to challenge McDaniel, citing GOP sources he claims have told him that the party needs “new leadership” at the top.
“I don’t know if this is a paid position, nor do I care,” he added. “I want to help save our country.”
Another potential rival is Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), who came up short in his recent gubernatorial bid against incumbent Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Earlier this month, he sent a letter to committee members confirming: “I am very seriously considering your requests and am grateful for your messages. It is time for our party to retool, transform, win back the Presidency in 2024, expand our number of Republican-held seats in Congress, and elect the maximum number of down-ballot races across the country.”
Of course, any challenger to the current RNC chair will have an uphill battle since a large swath of the GOP remains united behind McDaniel.
Former President Donald Trump recently declared that she has been doing a “tremendous job” and many RNC members have already signaled an intention to vote in favor of giving her another term.
In order to secure a win, she will need a majority of the committee’s 168 members — and insiders say she has already coalesced at least 100 members behind her.
