RNC Chair Michael Whatley urges party unity amid GOP turmoil in the House

Source: NBC News

May 5, 2024, 9:36 AM EDT


PALM BEACH, Fla. — Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley urged party unity when asked about Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's threat to force a vote to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson this week, months before House Republicans defend their slim majority in the November elections.

"We need to flip the Senate, and we need to expand our majority in the House. We're not going to do that if we're not unified," Whatley said during an interview with NBC News when asked for his message to Republicans backing Johnson's ouster.

"We need to make sure that all of the Republicans understand the gravity of this election cycle, and they do, and we need to make sure that we are on the same page as we're moving forward," he continued.

Whatley's plea for unity comes just days before Johnson's grip on his chamber faces a key test. Greene, R-Ga., said last week that she will call a motion to vacate for Johnson, R-La., forcing members of both parties to consider whether they will vote to save his speakership.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/rnc-chair-michael-whatley-urges-party-unity-gop-t-rcna150740