Michael Steele wins RNC chairmanship race
Former Maryland Lt. Governor to be first African-American chair
Video |
New RNC Chair: 'This is awesome' Jan. 30: Michael Steele, who is the first African American to lead the Republican Party, makes his acceptance speech as the newly elected RNC Chairman. MSNBC |
NBC Video: Politics |
Obama weighs Afghan troop options Nov. 11: President Obama meets with his war team amid reports he's made a decision to add tens of thousands of troops to Afghanistan, reports the White House denies. NBC's Brooke Hart reports. |
Slideshow |
more photos |
WASHINGTON - Michael Steele was elected Republican National Committee chairman on Friday, defeating the incumbent party chief and three other challengers over six rounds of voting to become the first black to lead the GOP.
The former Maryland lieutenant governor takes over a beleaguered GOP as Republicans seek to rebound from back-to-back defeats in national elections that gave Democrats control of Congress and the White House.
"As a little boy growing up in this town, this is awesome," said Steele, the most moderate candidate in the field and considered an outsider because he's not a committee member.
In a brief acceptance speech, the new GOP chairman struck a tone of inclusiveness.
"We're going to say to friend and foe alike: We want you to be a part of us, we want you to with be with us, and for those who wish to obstruct, get ready to get knocked over," Steele said.
He won 91 votes out of a possible 168 in the sixth round. A simple majority of 85 was needed, but it took six rounds for Steele to win.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM POLITICS |
| Add Politics headlines to your news reader: |
Sponsored links
Resource guide




