Lee Zeldin Won’t Run for RNC Chair, but Calls on Ronna McDaniel to Step Aside

Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) attends a press conference on the current conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in Washington, on May 20, 2021. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.), who nearly won his bid for governor in a deep blue state, announced Dec. 7 that he will not seek the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) top position.

Zeldin has been hearing from Republicans across the country who want him to challenge RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel but said that McDaniel’s bid for reelection appears to be successful even before votes are cast.