As anticipated, Ronna McDaniel, the current chair of the GOP, has announced her decision to step down on March 8. A clear indication that the party believes former President Donald Trump will become the nominee after year another dominant victory in Nikki Haley’s home state of South Carolina over the weekend.

McDaniel, in a statement on Monday morning, explained her decision by stating, “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.” She emphasized the historical tradition of the RNC undergoing change once a nominee is selected.

Trump has expressed his preference for North Carolina GOP Chair Michael Whatley to replace McDaniel. Whatley, known for his focus on voter fraud issues, has been tapped by Trump to take on a more significant role in the party.

Additionally, Lara Trump, the former president’s daughter-in-law, has been selected as committee co-chair.

Ronna McDaniel was largely blamed for the party’s shortcoming since she was selected chair, including the 2020 election loss, the red wave that wasn’t, and failures in recent run-off races and special elections.

RNC co-chair Drew McKissick has also announced his departure. This change is another indicator of the GOP’s transition from the primary phase to the general election of the 2024 presidential contest, with Trump as the presumptive nominee.

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley remains in the race, despite Trump’s success in winning every state by significant margins in every primary and caucus thus far. He is positioned to have enough delegates to secure the Republican nomination by mid-March.

While Trump’s influence is evident, it’s important to note that formal leadership changes in the RNC require the backing of the 168-member governing body.

McDaniel’s acquiescence to Trump’s wishes reflects his standing as the likely presidential nominee and his popularity among party activists. The formal approval of Trump’s decisions by RNC members is expected in March.

McDaniel, the longest-serving leader of the committee since the Civil War, was initially chosen by Trump shortly after the 2016 election. Her profile as a suburban mother was considered beneficial for the party’s appeal to suburban women during the Trump era.

Despite winning reelection as party chair a year ago, McDaniel faced increasing criticism from opponents within the “Make America Great Again” movement, and the party is currently grappling with fundraising challenges.

The proposed new leadership structure, seen as a Trump campaign takeover of the RNC, is anticipated to be embraced by members. However, there are internal debates, with national committeeman Henry Barbour circulating resolutions aiming to keep the committee neutral until Trump officially becomes the presidential nominee and barring the committee from paying his legal bills.

Lara Trump has suggested that GOP voters might want the RNC to cover Donald Trump’s legal bills, viewing the legal challenges against him as political persecution. Yet, there is uncertainty regarding the agreement of the RNC’s 168 members on this matter.

Chris LaCivita, Trump’s senior campaign adviser overseeing day-to-day operations at the RNC, has clarified that party funds will not be used to cover Trump’s legal bills. Trump’s emphasis on allies who echo his concerns about voter fraud is reflected in his choice of Whatley, who has been credited with hiring lawyers ahead of the 2020 election to address alleged voter fraud issues, despite investigations showing no evidence of intentional efforts.

These leadership changes mark a significant shift away from the traditional GOP establishment. The news is also likely to increase fundraising efforts and place additional efforts on Haley to get out of the race and help get party elect Trump to be the 47th President of the United States.