Donald Trump is backing Michael Whatley to replace Ronna McDaniel as chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC).
However, Whatley faces criticism over his own contested election as North Carolina GOP chair last year, with some alleging irregularities changed the outcome.
As a longtime lobbyist for oil and gas companies, Whatley is seen as part of the Republican establishment that many grassroots activists have soured on.
John Kane Jr. said, “I can only conclude two possibilities. One, he felt he needed to cheat to win. Two, he is completely incompetent. Both are disqualifying.”
Sigal Chattah, an RNC committeewoman for Nevada, said, “We need a complete overhaul of the RNC. Choosing, or anointing, someone that is the male version of Ronna is the exact opposite of what the RNC needs at this time.”
Whatley reportedly said in 2021, “It was really the first time that Republicans got down into the trenches and fought.”
“We knew if we were not there, they were going to steal it,” he continued.
Anderson Clayton, chairwoman of the North Carolina Democratic Party, said, “The next chair of the Republican Party is running on election integrity. His own election was called into question. And a lot of people in North Carolina don’t think he was elected fair.”
Art Pope, a North Carolina conservative businessman, said, “When the Republican National Committee was helping with Donald Trump’s legal fees, a lot of people didn’t want to give.”
“Anyone who has been, or will be, the Republican National Committee chairperson will have that challenge,” he warned.
While Whatley says he will ensure elections can’t be stolen, his critics argue his leadership of the RNC is hypocritical given questions around his state party election.
His ability to turn around the RNC’s poor fundraising will also be a key test as he seeks the national party post with Trump’s backing.
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