Medinsight
Mar 03, 2026

WHITE HOUSE CHAOS! Karoline Leavitt is OUT as the race for her replacement explodes. Who is the secret favorite to seize the podium?

Who could step in as Karoline Leavitt prepares for maternity leave?

As White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt prepares to welcome her second child, attention has turned to who may temporarily take over one of the administration’s most visible roles.

Leavitt, 28, confirmed in December that she and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, are expecting a baby girl in May. While she is expected to return after her leave, questions have emerged about who could handle press briefings in her absence.

Several names within and around the current communications team have surfaced as possible stand-ins, reflecting a mix of internal experience and broader political communication backgrounds.

Key figures within the press office

Among those frequently mentioned is Anna Kelly, currently serving as Principal Deputy Press Secretary. Her background includes work on Republican campaigns, as well as communications roles tied to the U.S. House of Representatives and state party organizations, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Kelly, who is from Fairfax, Virginia, previously earned the 2019 Miss State Fair of Virginia title. According to the Fairfax Times, she used that platform to advocate for youth political involvement.

“My generation stands in an incredible position of power,” Kelly told the outlet. She added that young people should recognize their influence and “work to ensure the government we receive is a good one.”

X / AnnaKellyGOP

Her academic background includes a political science degree with a minor in community and civic engagement from Auburn University, followed by a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University.

Taylor Rogers / Instagram

Taylor Rogers and Liz Huston, both assistant press secretaries, are also part of the current communications structure supporting Leavitt. Their roles involve assisting with media coordination and briefing room operations.

Rogers previously worked as a press assistant for the Republican National Committee and served as a guest greeter at Fox News.

Katie Pavlich among the other leading candidates

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