“It’s clear the party wants to do things a little bit differently and a little bit better,” Steele says of his withdrawal from the RNC chair race.”Our opportunity rests with the people of America. . . . At this time I step aside to let other people lead.”

“Despite the difficulties, we won,” Steele says to a standing ovation. He implored the crowd to sit but it refused to listen for several seconds. “I’m a little bit obstinate, but I am because I want to fight,” Steele continued.”I release my supporters and ask them to join me in supporting Maria Cino.”