Pete Hoekstra Is Rightful Chair of Michigan Republicans, R.N.C. Says

After a bitter monthlong fight in Michigan over who has a valid claim to lead the G.O.P. in the critical battleground state, the Republican National Committee said on Wednesday that it had formally recognized Pete Hoekstra as the state party’s rightful chairman.

The decision follows a vote on Jan. 6 by some party officials in Michigan to remove Kristina Karamo, a far-right election denier who had helmed the party for almost a year.

Mr. Hoekstra was elected to the post later that month and was endorsed by former President Donald J. Trump. But Ms. Karamo refused to accept her removal, kicking off a dispute that has created upheaval for Republicans and spilled over into court just weeks before the party holds its presidential primary and caucus-style convention there.

Critics of Ms. Karamo said that the Michigan party had been shrouded in secrecy under her leadership and was struggling with funds. In choosing Mr. Hoekstra, they elevated a former longtime House member who was Mr. Trump’s ambassador to the Netherlands.

Mr. Hoekstra said in an interview that he hoped that Ms. Karamo would now stand down.

“So you now have the state committee,” he said, when told of the R.N.C.’s decision on Wednesday. “You have the R.N.C., and you have the president, which in many cases would have been enough all by itself. You put that all cumulatively together, it’s like, OK, this decision is made. Let’s move on.”

Ms. Karamo did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday.

In a conference call on Monday, the R.N.C. heard arguments from lawyers for Mr. Hoekstra and Ms. Karamo. In an email that same day, Ms. Karamo challenged the authority of national Republicans to decide the matter.