Hupfer loses RNC co-chair bid

Indiana Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer lost his bid for Republican National Committee co-chair Friday in a third-round vote.

Drew McKissick of South Carolina received 90 votes compared to Hupfer’s 76.

On the first two ballots, Hupfer received 52 votes. A third candidate, Mike Whatley of North Carolina, withdrew his name after the second round — leading to McKissick’s win.

Earlier in the day at the Republican winter meetings, Ronna McDaniel was easily re-elected chairwoman. It will be her fourth two-year term.

Hupfer has been Indiana Republican Party Chairman since 2017. Under his leadership, the GOP controls every statewide office; has supermajorities in the House and Senate; has nine of 11 federal seats and more than 80% of all county offices.

He has served as general counsel for the RNC since February 2021.

“I just think that we are at a unique crossroads for the party. 2024 is going to be a critical election,” he told the Indiana Capital Chronicle in December. “I served … as an officer for the RNC. I am familiar with how it works and a broad swath of the party. I think I can help out.”