Trump taps Ronna Romney McDaniel for RNC chair

President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday backed Ronna Romney McDaniel – the head of the Michigan GOP and Mitt Romney’s niece – to lead the Republican National Committee in 2017.

The RNC would need to formally install her in the post next month, but Trump’s selection is expected to be affirmed.

In preparation for the changing of the guard, Trump announced Wednesday that McDaniel will serve as RNC deputy chairwoman and Trump for President Ohio State Director Bob Paduchik will be RNC deputy co-chairman.

“I’m excited to have a highly effective leader in Ronna McDaniel as RNC Deputy Chair and I look forward to her serving as the Party’s Chairman in 2017,” Trump said in a statement. “Ronna has been extremely loyal to our movement and her efforts were critical to our tremendous victory in Michigan, and I know she will bring the same passion to the Republican National Committee.”

A high-ranking RNC staffer confirmed to Fox News that “Ronna and Bob are a done deal."

The official said, "The positions are so they can get started before the official vote a month from now. Done deal. They are it."

The announcement comes after Mitt Romney, the 2012 GOP presidential nominee who was critical of Trump during the 2016 campaign, was passed over for secretary of state.

Fox News reported last week that Ronna Romney McDaniel was likely to be tapped for RNC chairwoman.

She was an early Trump supporter – and would replace Reince Priebus atop the RNC. Priebus is slated to be Trump’s White House chief of staff.

Fox News’ Serafin Gomez contributed to this report.