Republican Winter Advance draws conservatives from across state, RNC co-chair

Virginia Republican officials, elected leaders, activists and candidates gathered in Charlottesville Dec. 6-8 for the 2024 Donald W. Huffman Winter Advance at the Kimpton Hotel. The Advance provides an opportunity for conservatives from across the Commonwealth to come together for a celebration of the November elections and plan for the 2025 elections.

The event kicked off Friday evening with a Tusk Club event and training session, followed by a welcome reception in the Aspen Bar. Saturday’s events included a State Central meeting, a discussion of leftist money in politics, a luncheon and awards ceremony, AI in politics, women in leadership, a cocktail hour and the Chairman’s dinner. Sunday concluded with a presentation of winning the House in 2025, a Congressional brunch and an election integrity session.

RNC Co-Chair Michael Whatley was the special guest on Saturday night. President-elect Donald Trump said a few days ago, “I have asked Michael to return as Chairman of the RNC to continue to build our party, and be a trusted partner as we Make America Great Again, and ensure free and fair elections. Republicans everywhere should support him as he continues his mission at the RNC.”

Whatley was elected co-chair of the RNC in March 2024 to replace Ronna McDaniel, whom Trump pressured to vacate her post. He was previously the chair of the North Carolina Republican Party. Whatley has served alongside Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, who announced on Sunday she will be vacating her role in the RNC.

“The job I came to do is now complete and I intend to formally step down from the RNC at our next meeting,” Lara Trump said in a post on X.

Her announcement comes amid speculation that she could be chosen to fill a potential U.S. Senate vacancy in Florida. Senator Marco Rubio was recently tapped by Trump to serve as the next Secretary of State. If Rubio is confirmed, Gov. Ron DeSantis would appoint a replacement until 2026.

Lara Trump said she would seriously consider filing the seat.

Yesterday, President-elect Trump endorsed RNC treasurer KC Crosbie to replace Lara Trump as a co-chair of the RNC.