By JONATHAN MARTIN DEC. 14,

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald J. Trump announced Wednesday that Ronna Romney McDaniel, the chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party, would serve as the senior official of the Republican National Committee, rewarding a loyalist from a crucial state and retaining a firm grip on his adopted party.

Ms. McDaniel is the niece of Mitt Romney — but unlike her uncle, she was a steadfast supporter of Mr. Trump’s campaign after he became the Republican nominee, helping him narrowly carry Michigan. Mr. Trump, the first Republican presidential candidate since 1988 to win Michigan, was known to refer to her during the campaign as “my Romney.”

“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,” Mr. Trump said in a statement announcing the appointment.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/14/us/politics/donald-trump-republican-national-committee-ronna-romney-mcdaniel.html