Trump taps Ronna Romney McDaniel for RNC chair

Washington, Dec 15 : US President-elect Donald Trump has backed Ronna Romney McDaniel - the head of the Michigan GOP and Mitt Romneys niece - to lead the Republican National Committee in 2017.

The RNC would need to formally install her in the post in January, but Trump's selection was expected to be affirmed, Fox news reported.

In preparation for the transition, Trump announced Wednesday that McDaniel would serve as RNC deputy chairwoman and 'Trump for President' Ohio State Director Bob Paduchik would be RNC deputy co-chairman.

"I'm excited to have a highly effective leader in Ronna McDaniel as RNC Deputy Chair and I look forward to her serving as the Party's Chairman in 2017," Trump said in a statement. 

"Ronna has been extremely loyal to our movement and her efforts were critical to our tremendous victory in Michigan, and I know she will bring the same passion to the Republican National Committee," he added.

A high-ranking RNC staffer has confirmed that Ronna and Bob were a done deal.

The official said, "The positions are so they can get started before the official vote a month from now. Done deal. They are it."

The announcement came after Mitt Romney, the 2012 GOP presidential nominee who was critical of Trump during the 2016 campaign, was passed over for secretary of state.

McDaniel was an early Trump supporter - and would replace Reince Priebus atop the RNC. Priebus was slated to be Trump's White House chief of staff.