Lee Zeldin not Running Against Ronna McDaniel, but Doesn’t Make Specific Endorsement Despite Wanting ‘Fresh Blood’

As promised, Lee Zeldin (R-NY) announced his decision on whether or not to run for RNC Chair. Zeldin announced he won’t be running, he added that there needs to be “fresh blood” in leadership positions within the GOP.

Zeldin tweeted, “RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel should not run for a 4th term. I won’t be running for RNC Chair at this time with McDaniel’s reelection pre-baked by design, but that doesn’t mean she should even be running again. It’s time the GOP elects new leadership! It’s time for fresh blood!”

He also attached his full statement

Read my full statement: pic.twitter.com/k9nHaG8GCT

— Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) December 7, 2022

Zeldin came very close to unseating Kathy Hochul as Governor of New York, a lot close than originally anticipated. After his loss, he received many calls from across the country asking him to run for RNC Chair.

Zeldin promised to announce his decision on the 7th of December. While he decided not to run, He also made a point to call out McDaniel for running for a fourth term. Zeldin has called for “fresh blood” to lead the GOP.

Lee Zeldin Breaks Silence, Officially Considers Unseating Ronna McDaniel, Official Announcement to Come December 7th

So far RNC committeewoman Harmeet Dhillon and My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell have declared they are running for RNC Chair. Many are concerned with the lack of change in leadership within the GOP. McConnell and McCarthy don’t appear to be leaving their leadership positions and McDaniel is vying to keep her position as well.

Zeldin shared in his full statement, “Change is desperately needed, and there are many leaders, myself included, ready and willing to step up to ensure our party retools and transforms as critical elections fast approach, namely the 2024 Presidential and Congressional races. However, the issue is that Chairwoman McDaniel’s reelection appears to be pre-baked, as if the disappointing results of every election during her tenure, including yesterday in Georgia, do not and should not matter.”

Zeldin concluded his statement with, “The better path forward would be for Chairwoman McDaniel to listen to and respect the wishes of the actual grassroots voters of our party, and allow the RNC to forge ahead with new leadership. Her greatest service to the Republican Party at this time would be to make room for a new Chair.”

It appears McDaniel, much like her uncle Mitt can’t tell they’ve disenfranchised the grassroots of the party. McDaniel is pushing forward for re-election and if things go the way they have in Congress she may just keep her spot.