Trump's handpicked party chair faces a rebellion as midterm losses challenge president's grip on GOP

A challenge inside the RNC

The dispute centers on Joe Gruters, chairman of the Republican National Committee, and KC Crosbie, the committee’s second-in-command from Kentucky. A small but growing group of the RNC’s 168 members is supporting Crosbie’s effort to replace him.

Crosbie began her bid two days after the Nov. 3 election. In a letter, she called the midterms “a serious setback” and urged the committee to give “an honest account” of its shortcomings. She declined to be interviewed.

Questions over spending and results

Supporters of a leadership change say the party needs a different approach after losses in Texas, South Carolina and Mississippi, as well as elsewhere. RNC member Oscar Brock of Tennessee said the organization should work to elect Republicans broadly, rather than always follow the White House’s wishes.

Trump’s backing weighs heavily

Trump wants Gruters to remain in charge, and the White House has threatened to withhold fundraising assistance if rebels do not fall in line. Some potential Crosbie backers are concerned about retaliation; others support the tradition of presidents choosing their party chairs.

Nevada Republican Party Chairman Michael McDonald said Trump was the party’s leader and members had to follow him. He added that the president had chosen Gruters, while saying he had no criticism of Crosbie.

Supporters and opponents make their case

Some committee members have defended Gruters. Lauren LePage of Maine praised his responsiveness and fundraising, and said that, from her perspective, he had done his job. She also said the committee should take Trump’s endorsement seriously.

Crosbie’s supporters argue that keeping the same leadership would disregard the party’s losses. Virginia RNC member Patti Lyman called that prospect “catastrophic” and described Crosbie as the strongest candidate to lead the committee toward victory in 2028. The leadership election is scheduled for January at the RNC’s winter meeting in Arizona.