Mike Reed, the Chief of Staff for the Republican National Committee (RNC), announced that he will be stepping down later this month.
According to an email obtained by Politico, Reed said he was shifting his focus to his “growing family [that] needs and deserves my attention.”
“I know the timing of this news comes as many rumors in the press swirl and we prepare to merge with the presumptive nominee. I assure you, the RNC is in an incredibly strong position,” he wrote.
Sources close to the matter said the move has been in the works for about a year.
Addressing the possibility of staff changes within the RNC, Reed noted, “We always knew there would be some changes once we had a presumptive nominee, and we welcome that. Chairman McDaniel has had great conversations with President Trump over the last few days and weeks. She will continue to lead this organization to merge seamlessly should he be the nominee.”
RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel responded to Reed’s departure in a statement, saying, “In the chaotic world of DC and the RNC, Mike Reed has been a calm and steady hand as our Chief of Staff. I will miss having Mike guide me and our staff but I am so happy and excited for his next adventure and that he will be able to spend more time with his wife Alice and their beautiful children.”