NBC on February 26 quoted Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel as saying she would resign, after weeks of pressure from the likely candidate to represent the party in the US presidential election in November.

The move comes after Mr. Trump endorsed a new group to lead the party, expressing his desire to change the RNC in the context of his likely "rematch" with President Joe Biden.

McDaniel's decision comes after the South Carolina primary on Feb. 24 and less than two weeks after Trump endorsed North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley as the next RNC chairman, daughter-in-law Lara Trump as co-chair and campaign aide Chris LaCivita as RNC executive director.

"The RNC has historically undergone changes once we have a nominee, and I always intend to honor that tradition. I remain committed to taking back the White House and electing Republicans on the ballot in November," McDaniel said in a statement, according to Reuters.

She thanked Mr. Trump and said the resignation would take effect on March 8 so he could choose a new president.

Fifteen states and one US territory will hold Republican primaries on March 5. RNC co-chair Drew McKissick also said he would resign.

Observers say whoever replaces the Republican leadership positions will face the challenge of unifying a fractured party, with only about nine months to go until the 2024 election.

The RNC plays a key role in raising money for the nominee, promoting the party's message, mobilizing resources and engaging voters.

Shortly after winning the 2016 election, Mr. Trump endorsed Ms. McDaniel to lead the RNC. She helped Mr. Trump win Michigan that year, a battleground state between him and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.