Michigan's Ronna McDaniel stepping down as RNC chairwoman as Trump seeks new leadership

Ronna McDaniel of Michigan announced Monday morning that she plans to step down as the Republican National Committee's chairwoman amid a move by former President Donald Trump to handpick the organization's leadership.

McDaniel, a Northville resident and a former chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party, has led the committee that works to elect GOP candidates across the country since 2017. She's in her fourth two-year term in the position.

"I have decided to step aside at our spring training on March 8 in Houston to allow our nominee to select a chair of their choosing," McDaniel wrote in a Monday morning email to the RNC's staff. "The national party historically undergoes some form of change when a presumptive nominee emerges, and my intention has always been to honor that tradition. 

"I remain committed to winning back the White House and electing Republicans up and down the ballot in November."

McDaniel's announcement came a day ahead of Michigan's Tuesday presidential primary election. Trump is a heavy favorite to win the Republican nomination and Michigan's primary, but former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley continues to campaign against him, including a Sunday night rally with at an event in Troy and a scheduled Monday stop in Grand Rapids.

McDaniel's email to RNC staff was obtained by The Detroit News.

In the message, McDaniel said the Republican Party's future presidential nominee was in an "incredibly strong position to win" in November.

"Though we will have a new RNC chair soon, we cannot lose sight of the mission," McDaniel wrote.

More:6 things to watch in Michigan's presidential primary Tuesday

In recent weeks, Trump has promoted Michael Whatley, the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, as the next chairman of the Republican National Committee. Trump also has endorsed his daughter-in-law Lara Trump to be the national committee's co-chairwoman. 

"Every penny will be used properly. New Day," Trump said in a statement about his picks to lead the committee on Feb. 12.

Ahead of a campaign rally Monday in Grand Rapids, Haley told reporters that Trump's push to choose a new chair before the primary is over is "a massive control move" by the former president.

“The Republican Party is now becoming Donald Trump’s playpen," Haley said.

More:Nikki Haley blames Donald Trump for GOP losses, division in Michigan

Regardless of whether Trump wins or loses in November, his pick to run the Republican National Committee will oversee the national party into at least 2025, said Dennis Lennox, a political consultant from Michigan.

McDaniel had achieved "quite the accomplishment" by being the committee's longest-serving chairwoman, Lennox said.

"She really did hold the RNC together at a time of immense division and incredible personalities," Lennox said.

cmauger@detroitnews.com