Vance to serve as RNC finance chair

Vice President Vance will take on the role of finance chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) as the party looks to keep its congressional majorities in 2026.

The RNC announced the unprecedented move in a release on Tuesday, noting it’s the first time in the history of the GOP that the sitting vice president has served simultaneously as finance chair. Vance will replace Richard “Duke” Buchan III, who served as U.S. ambassador to Spain during President Trump's first term and was named as finance chair at the end of 2021.

Trump has nominated Buchan to serve as ambassador to Morocco.

Vance said in a statement that he looks forward to working with RNC Chair Michael Whatley and Republican leaders to build the war chest necessary to win next November.

“Last year, President Trump won an historic election victory, taking back the White House and helping Republicans regain control of the Senate and retain control of the House,” Vance said. “But to fully enact the MAGA mandate and President Trump’s vision that voters demanded, we must keep and grow our Republican majorities in 2026.”

Trump said Vance will do a “fantastic job,” as he knows how to win tough races.

Whatley thanked Buchan for his work as finance chair, saying his efforts were an “essential contribution” to Republican success in 2024.

Fox News first reported the development.

An RNC official told Fox that Whatley appointed Vance to the role and that his serving as finance chair shows “just how much the White House and the RNC are in lockstep this cycle.”

"Everyone is laser-focused on growing our majorities in 2026, and we are going to aggressively fundraise to be ready for next year,” the official said.

The Trump campaign and RNC worked closely together throughout the 2024 race, establishing a fundraising agreement in which donations would flow to the campaign and a political action committee covering his legal expenses before going to the party itself. Trump also exerted his influence to pick the RNC's new leader after former Chair Ronna McDaniel stepped down in March, throwing his support to Whatley.

Both parties are already starting to gear up for the 2026 midterms. Democrats will look to win back control of the House and at least make gains in the Senate, while the GOP will attempt to hold on to its narrow majorities in both chambers.

Topics

House Democrat on party’s low approval: ‘We’ll take back the majority in 2026’

Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said she believes her party will take back the House majority in 2026 despite receiving its lowest ...
The Hill - 1d
Vance ramps up his clout in Trump world

Vice President Vance’s clout is on the rise, taking on the role of pot stirrer at the White House and on the world stage. His attack dog role was on full display during an Oval Office meeting with ...
The Hill - Mar. 8
Why did North Carolina make March Madness? NCAA selection committee vice chair Keith Gill explains

How did UNC make NCAA Tournament? NCAA Men's Basketball Vice Chair Keith Gill explains Tar Heels' inclusion in tournament.
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Vice President JD Vance urges GOP to fall in line as shutdown looms

House Republicans are slated to vote Tuesday on their spending bill that would fund the government at current levels through September 2025.
ABC News - Mar. 11
Vance huddles with VCs

{beacon} Technology Technology The Big Story Vance calls out globalization Vice President Vance argued Tuesday globalization has stifled American innovation over the past several decades as he ...
The Hill - 4h
Trump pushes out National Endowment for the Humanities chair, official says

President Trump directed National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Chair Shelly Lowe to step down from her role, which she has now done, an agency spokesperson confirmed Thursday morning. The ...
The Hill - 5d
Vance expects a 'high-level' TikTok deal by the April 5 deadline

Vice President JD Vance expressed confidence Friday that a deal to sell TikTok and keep the social media app running in the U.S. would largely be in place by an April deadline.
NBC News - 4d
Vance booed at Kennedy Center after Trump board takeover

Vice President Vance was met by a chorus of boos from audience members at the Kennedy Center while attending a National Symphony Orchestra performance late Thursday. The former Ohio senator ...
The Hill - 4d
Vance ‘very confident’ TikTok deal will be reached by April deadline

NBC News Senior National Politics Reporter Henry Gomez joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss highlights from Vice President Vance’s interview with NBC News.
NBC News - 4d