DeSantis says 'new blood' needed at Republican National Committee

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said that he believes that the Republican National Committee needs "change" and "new blood" and that he supports Harmeet Dhillon's position on pulling the RNC out of the nation's capital.

"I like what Harmeet Dhillon has said about getting the RNC out of D.C. Why would you want to have your headquarters in the most Democrat city in America? It's more Democrat than San Francisco is," DeSantis told Turning Point USA founder and president Charlie Kirk.

"But I do think we need some fresh thinking," DeSantis said, adding that he believes it will be tough to motivate the grassroots to donate money and volunteer with the RNC if people do not witness a shift in direction.

Dhillon is challenging current RNC chair Ronna McDaniel. MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell is also vying for the position. The vote is slated for Friday.

DeSantis described the 2018, 2020, and 2022 election cycles as "substandard." McDaniel was at the helm of the RNC during all three of those election cycles.

"We need to decentralize the RNC out of DC and away from the lobbyists, the consultants, and frankly the beholden politicians who dictate the party's direction at the expense of what our voters want," Dhillon's website for her RNC chair run notes. "I'd like to see RNC move important operations – fundraising, legal, political, and strategic – out of DC."

DeSantis won reelection last year during the Sunshine State's 2022 gubernatorial election, and while he has not announced plans to pursue the presidency, he is widely viewed as someone who could potentially mount a White House bid.

"Republican leaders from all wings of the party are hearing what voters are saying & objectively calling out our need to improve — which means a change in leadership & while am not seeking endorsements from any presidential candidate — I appreciate ALL Rep. feedback/support," Dhillon tweeted.

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