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It’s Election Day at the Republican National Committee.
Incumbent RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel is favored to win a fourth term in Friday’s election but has faced contentious challenges as the party wrestles with its future in the shadow of former president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump.
California attorney Harmeet Dhillon, seeking McDaniel’s job, has racked up endorsements from prominent Republicans, including Florida governor and potential 2024 presidential candidate Ron DeSantis. Trump himself has stayed neutral in the race.
Here’s what else is happening in politics:
President Joe Biden called for „peaceful protests“ after five former Memphis police officers were charged Thursday in the Tyre Nichols case.
FBI Director Chris Wray said he was „appalled“ after viewing video of the police stop that led to Nichols‘ death.
Biden has a new chief of staff: Jeff Zients will replace Ron Klain.
The Michigan Senate has approved an earlier primary in late February. The move could substantially hurt Republicans ahead of a heated election.
Paul Pelosi attack video is scheduled to be released at noon:Here’s how the attack on Nancy Pelosi’s husband unfolded.
FBI Director Chris Wray said Friday he was “appalled” after viewing the video of a Memphis police traffic stop that led to the death of a 29-year-old Black man.
“I will tell you I was appalled,” Wray said, referring to the video set to be released Friday involving Tyre Nichols’ encounter with five Memphis police officers.
Federal authorities have opened a civil rights investigation into Nichols’ death.
Both Wray and Attorney General Merrick Garland appealed for “calm” in advance of the video’s scheduled release.
– Kevin Johnson
What we know about Tyre Nichols‘ death:Memphis to release footage of traffic stop that led to death
President Joe Biden announced Friday that Jeff Zients, who steered the response to the COVID-19 pandemic during the first year of his administration, will replace Ron Klain as the new White House chief of staff.
“I’m confident that Jeff will continue Ron’s example of smart, steady leadership, as we continue to work hard every day for the people we were sent here to serve,” Biden said in a statement.
In his statement, Biden highlighted his longtime relationship with Klain, who first worked with Biden on the Senate Judiciary Committee when Biden was a senator.
“During the last 36 years, Ron and I have been through some real battles together. And when you’re in the trenches with somebody for as long as I have been with Ron, you really get to know the person. You see what they’re made of,” Biden said.
Biden said the White House will hold an official transition event next week to thank Klain for his work and welcome Zients to the White House.
