Priebus gets third term as RNC chairman

Reince Priebus was elected to a third two-year term as chairman of the Republican National Committee at the group’s winter meeting in San Diego on Friday.

The RNC said in a statement that Priebus will become the longest-serving chairman in modern history.

“I am incredibly humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve as RNC Chairman for a third term,” Priebus said. “We will build on our success of 2014 to have a successful 2016. I look forward to ensuring that we have the best possible operation in 2016 and I thank all of the hard working candidates, committees, and dedicated volunteers and investors for their support in this effort.”

Priebus was first elected in January of 2011, and he oversaw a rocky cycle for Republicans in 2012, when the party underperformed across the board. That election brought into focus the Democratic advantages with minority voters, women and technology.

Priebus made those issues a focus for the party after 2012, and Republicans turned things around in 2014, winning their largest majority in the House since World War II and gaining a majority in the Senate.

“Thanks to Chairman Priebus’ leadership, the RNC made important gains across demographic groups and an unprecedented investment in data,” the RNC said. “Most importantly, Chairman Priebus transformed the RNC into a year-round party.”

The RNC also lauded Priebus as a fundraising powerhouse.

“The RNC easily beat the DNC in fundraising for the 2014 election cycle, bringing in $176.9 million through October 15, 2014,” the group said. “Chairman Priebus’ leadership and emphasis on fundraising has allowed the RNC to offer greater support to Republican candidates and state parties.”

In prepared remarks Priebus will deliver to the RNC on Friday, he said the RNC’s focus in 2016 will be winning back the White House.

“We’re going to be laser-focused on the White House — both its current occupant and the Democrats who want to occupy it,” Priebus said.