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KC Crosbie Bids to Lead Republican National Committee

The Lexington Republican announced her candidacy for RNC chair days after the party lost control of the U.S. House and Senate.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Political Parties

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KC Crosbie, a Lexington Republican and current RNC co-chair, announced a bid to chair the Republican National Committee days after the party lost the U.S. House and Senate. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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KC Crosbie announced her bid to become chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, days after Republicans lost control of the U.S. House and Senate in the November 2026 elections. Crosbie currently serves as RNC co-chair with Joe Gruters and previously served as treasurer.

Why it matters

Crosbie wrote that the party must analyze what went wrong and why, and she argued the RNC has fallen short of its responsibility to state party leaders. The chair election will shape how the national party responds to the loss of both congressional chambers.

Crosbie's letter, dated November 5, 2026, announced her candidacy ahead of the RNC committee meeting in January in Arizona, where the chair will be chosen. Other candidates and the expected vote count were not reported.

The players

KC Crosbie

Kentucky Republican who currently serves as co-chair of the Republican National Committee and previously served as its treasurer, with prior electoral runs in Kentucky.

Republican National Committee

The national governing body of the Republican Party, responsible for party organization, fundraising, and presidential campaign coordination.

Joe Gruters

Republican official who currently serves as co-chair of the Republican National Committee alongside Crosbie.

The details

Crosbie announced her candidacy through a letter posted across social media, stating she is running to become chair at the January meeting. She previously ran unsuccessfully for Kentucky state treasurer and as lieutenant governor candidate with Hal Heiner in the May 2014 GOP gubernatorial primary.

Timeline

  1. January 2025: Crosbie first elected RNC co-chair.

  2. November 3, 2026: Republicans lost control of the U.S. House and Senate.

  3. November 5, 2026: Crosbie sends letter to party members announcing her bid.

  4. January 2027: RNC committee meeting in Arizona where the chair is chosen.

Political Context

Crosbie's letter argues the party must examine what went wrong after losing both congressional chambers, and she criticized the RNC for falling short of its responsibility to state party leaders. The chair contest will determine whether the committee's leadership shifts after the 2026 losses.

The chair vote will determine who leads the RNC's fundraising and organization ahead of future elections. Party members and voters following the committee's direction will see the outcome shape national Republican strategy.

The takeaway

Leadership contests after an election loss often signal how a party plans to rebuild its national operation. Watch the January committee meeting to see who the RNC members choose.

What happens next

The RNC committee will choose its next chair at its January meeting in Arizona.

Further reading

For more on the party's internal leadership fights, see Political Parties coverage.

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