Martin Andrew McKissick (born December 1968) is an American politician who has served as chair of the South Carolina Republican Party since 2017.[1] In 2023, he was re-elected to his fourth term in the office.[2] McKissick also served as co-chair of the Republican National Committee from 2023 to 2024, when he was replaced by Lara Trump.[3]

Drew McKissick
Chair of the South Carolina Republican Party
Assumed office
May 13, 2017
Preceded byMatt Moore
Co-Chair of the Republican National Committee
In office
January 28, 2023 – March 8, 2024
Preceded byThomas O. Hicks Jr.
Succeeded byLara Trump
Personal details
Born
Martin Andrew McKissick

December 1968 (age 55–56)
Political partyRepublican
SpouseAmy McKissick
EducationCollege of Charleston (BA)

Career

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McKissick was endorsed by Donald Trump during a previous challenge for state party chair.[4][5] Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy floated McKissick's name as a replacement for national Republican Party Chair Ronna McDaniel.[6][7] McKissick was elected co-chair of the Republican National Committee on January 28, 2023.[8][9]

McKissick was widely quoted after the 2022 South Carolina general election produced what many news outlets called a 'red wave', with a number of Democratic Party legislators losing their seats, and Republicans gaining a super majority in the state legislature.[10][11][12]

On February 26, 2024, McKissick submitted his resignation as Republican National Committee co-chair, stating that he would be working with the Trump Campaign and the RNC to win both the Senate and the White House.[13] [14]

On November 15, 2024, the South Carolina State Election Commission certified a new Republican supermajority in the South Carolina Senate, the first time since Reconstruction. McKissick stated, “It was the biggest Republican wave in this state since Ronald Reagan.”[15]

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References

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  1. ^ Psaki, Jen (May 27, 2023). "What Biden's rivals underestimate about his digital operation". MSNBC. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  2. ^ Rogers, Winston (May 20, 2023). "SCGOP reelects Drew McKissick as party chair during State Convention". WACH-TV. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  3. ^ "RNC LEADERS". The Republican National Committee. 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  4. ^ Lovegrove, Jamie (May 4, 2021). "Trump reiterates endorsement of SC GOP chairman after attorney announces challenge". The Post and Courier. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  5. ^ Greenwood, Max (March 30, 2021). "Trump doubles down on endorsement of South Carolina GOP chair". The Hill. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  6. ^ Folks, Will (November 11, 2023). "Is Another South Carolina Party Leader Destined For A National Role?". Fitsnews. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  7. ^ Garrity, Kelly (November 11, 2023). "The McDaniel v. Ramaswamy battle continues". Politico. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  8. ^ Kelly, Niki (January 27, 2023). "Hupfer loses RNC co-chair bid". Indiana Capital Chronicle. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  9. ^ https://www.gop.com/press-release/rnc-announces-new-leadership/
  10. ^ Christian, Matthew (November 9, 2022). "'Guarantee' S.C. GOP Chair made in Aiken comes true, Republicans gain seats in S.C. House". Post and Courier. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  11. ^ Phillips, Patrick (November 9, 2022). "SC Republicans celebrate 'red wave' sweep across the state". WCSC-TV. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  12. ^ Pollard, James (November 12, 2022). "South Carolina gives GOP a ruby-red bright spot in midterms". Associated Press. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  13. ^ "After submitting his resignation this morning as RNC co-chairman, SC GOP party chair Drew McKissick chatted with Mike today". SNC.TV. February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  14. ^ Byrd, Caitlin (February 26, 2024). "Drew McKissick, leader of SC Republican Party, resigning as RNC co-chair". The Post and Courier. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  15. ^ Holdman, Jessica (November 15, 2024). "Democrat state Sen. Gerald Malloy loses in recount solidifying SC Senate GOP supermajority • SC Daily Gazette". SC Daily Gazette. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
Party political offices
Preceded by Chair of the South Carolina Republican Party
2013–present
Incumbent