Will Lee Zeldin run for RNC chair?
Former New York gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin on the direction of the GOP and whether the Republicans will continue to follow the status quo on 'The Ingraham Angle.'
About 100 members of the Republican National Committee (RNC) have endorsed Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel in her re-election bid, one day after Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., revealed that he was "very seriously considering" running for the position.
A letter obtained by Fox News Digital, originally circulated by Republican National Committeeman from Illinois Richard Porter, revealed that more than half of the sitting RNC members support McDaniel in her re-election bid, weeding out most competition for the top spot and appearing to give her the support she needs to defend her position. McDaniel announced her candidacy for a fourth two-year term on Monday.
"We, the undersigned members of the Republican National Committee, are proud to offer our endorsement for your re-election as Chairman of the Republican National Committee," the letter reads. "These are perilous times and the Biden presidency, abetted by the extremist consensus among Democrat Party elites and elected officials, has been, is, and will continue to be a disaster for our nation. We believe we must elect a Republican President and more Republican Senators and House members in 2024 to restore, preserve, and protect the United States of America."
Republican National Convention Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel (Credit: RNC)
"We are confident you have the skills, integrity, and experience to meet the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities of our time," the letter concluded.
Despite losing his midterm race against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., Zeldin was praised by members within his party for running such a tight race in blue state New York, sparking encouragement to run for the top position at the RNC.
In a statement Thursday, Zeldin announced that he is seriously considering taking on McDaniel.
MEET THE GOP CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE LEADERS FOR THE 2024 ELECTION CYCLE
"Due to the amount of requests I have received from both inside and outside of the 168 about running to be the next Chair of the Republican National Committee, I am very seriously considering your requests and am grateful for your messages," Zeldin wrote. "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."
Republican New York gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin recently lost his midterm election against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul. (Jason DeCrow)
Despite McDaniel appearing to have the needed votes to win her re-election race, a source close to Zeldin told Fox News Digital Friday that the letter doesn't paint the full picture.
"In the last few days dozens of RNC members have reached out to Congressman Zeldin, strongly encouraging him to enter the race, including some of the individuals who are on the endorsement letter circulated by the current chair," the source said, suggesting McDaniel may still face a challenge from Zeldin.
Zeldin has not yet made an official announcement that he will run for the position.
Also considering a possible run for the coveted RNC position are South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Mercedes Schlapp, a former top Trump White House official and wife of Matt Schlapp, head of the American Conservative Union.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Noem told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that "Republicans need to really evaluate what we’re doing" following the disappointing midterm election results for Republicans, and that she had received encouragement to run for the top role leading the party.
The RNC will vote on its next chair during its winter meeting in late January.
Fox News' Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
More from Politics
