Republican Congressman and former gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin of New York is “very seriously considering” running to be Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Politico reported Thursday.
Zeldin told committee members in an email first obtained by Politico “The Republican Party needs to be all in to do everything in its power to save America.” He believes “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.”
Scoop: In a sign that he is inching closer toward running for chair of the RNC, Lee Zeldin is sending an email to committee members today that says he is “very seriously considering” a bid. https://t.co/tdRH41tZvt
— Holly Otterbein (@hollyotterbein) November 17, 2022
Current RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel is running for reelection despite the GOP’s underwhelming midterm performance relative to expectations. She reportedly received assurances from 100 of the committee’s 168 members earlier this week, Politico reported. She was first elected RNC Chair after a recommendation by then President-elect Donald Trump in 2017. (RELATED: REPORT: GOP Chair Ronna McDaniel To Run For Reelection)
Zeldin’s gubernatorial campaign in New York inspired national attention after he posed a surprising challenge to Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul. Republicans in New York flipped four congressional seats, which played a central role in Republicans reclaiming the House. Longtime Zeldin adviser John Brabender told NBC News on Sunday Zeldin has been receiving calls from GOP elected officials and party activists about running for the party chair.