As the 2024 election cycle kicks off, intra-party politics begin with former State Republican Executive Committeewoman Randan Marie Steinhauser announcing her campaign for a seat on the Republican National Committee (RNC).
Steinhauser previously served as State Republican Executive (SREC) Committeewoman for Senate District 24 and at the American Federation for Children. Now, she is challenging incumbent Toni Anne Dashiell for her seat on the RNC.
The RNC is responsible for developing and promoting the Republican Party platform, as well as fundraising and election strategy.
Steinhauser’s announcement was met with excitement from grassroots leaders like Julie McCarty of True Texas Project and advocates like Jeramy Kitchen of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility.
👏 Great news for Republicans! It's BEYOND time for a change at the RNC level in its representation from Texas! Love seeing a young person who loves liberty step up to fill the void left by someone (incumbent) who is milquetoast at best! https://t.co/5Fvt0xHEzn
— Jeramy D. Kitchen (@OpinionatedK) June 6, 2023
This is good news! https://t.co/ZlJ46DFfCA
— Julie McCarty (@heyjuliesue) June 6, 2023
Many anticipate Dashiell will run again and are pessimistic about her providing an accurate representation of voters’ values. She previously expressed support for RNC chair Ronna McDaniel––a move unpopular with conservative voters.
In December 2022, the Texas SREC passed a resolution with a vote of 62-0 declaring it is “Time for New Leadership at the Republican National Committee.”
“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Republican Party of Texas urges Chairman Matt Rinaldi, National Committeeman Dr. Robin Armstrong, and National Committeewoman Toni Anne Dashiell to pay heed to the grassroots’ profound dissatisfaction with the RNC and to vote for an alternative to replace Chairman McDaniel when the RNC meets in January to elect a Chair.”
Dashiell failed to comply with the resolution and McDaniel was reelected to an unprecedented fourth term as RNC chair.
Meanwhile, Steinhauser highlights the role grassroots will play in her decision making:
“My Commitment to you includes: Being a voice for the grassroots and listening to the will of the people,” tweeted Steinhauser.
“By working with the grassroots, I will help recruit and elect the next generation of conservative candidates – from school board to U.S. Senate; no race is too small because the stakes are too high. Let’s do this!” said Steinhauser in another tweet.
Dashiell did not respond to Texas Scorecard’s request for comment on Steinhauser’s announcement or whether she will run for reelection.
The Texas GOP will meet in San Antonio from May 23-25 of 2024 to discuss party leaders and the state GOP platform.
