Trump to choose Ronna Romney McDaniel as RNC chair

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Donald Trump plans to endorse Ronna Romney McDaniel as the Republican National Committee chair, sources familiar with the choice said.

Romney McDaniel, currently chair of the Michigan Republican Party, is the niece of 2012 GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney. She was also a key supporter of the Trump campaign in Michigan, a 2016 election battleground state which voted for Trump.

Trump also chose Ohio campaign operative Bob Paduchik as party co-chairman, the source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Bloomberg News.

Paduchik ran the successful 2000 and 2004 campaigns in Ohio of President George W. Bush, and although initially supportive of candidate Jeb Bush in the 2016 election, helped Trump win the crucial swing state. Romney McDaniel and Paduchik will assume the duties of current GOP chair Reince Preibus, who was selected to serve as Trump's White House chief of staff.

In selecting Romney McDaniel, Romney's family name and influence within the party is acknowledged. He was considered for the position of secretary of state and did not receive the appointment.

An endorsement for party chair by a president-elect typically ends the search, although the selections must still be voted on in January by the 168-member RNC executive committee.