Former independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin says the GOP needs new leadership to solve its struggles with racism.

Racism like @CarlPaladino's and that of others in the GOP won't just go away on its own. It's a problem that requires better leadership. https://t.co/bISUwoTjBe — Evan McMullin (@Evan_McMullin) December 27, 2016

I don't believe racism is anyone's true core, but we have a problem & need leaders to call it out & eradicate it. Our future depends on it. https://t.co/DntKUGmptW — Evan McMullin (@Evan_McMullin) December 27, 2016

McMullin, who ran as a conservative alternative to President-elect Donald Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE, added Republicans must unite against racism before they win over minority voters.

A number of Republicans see the problem (racism). They try to lead the party in a new direction, but too many disagree & thus the problem. https://t.co/Z5YanaBKyA — Evan McMullin (@Evan_McMullin) December 27, 2016

When 92% of black voters don't support the Republican nominee, but the KKK does, there's a problem. Let's deal with it and move forward. https://t.co/tzaFkMdTO7 — Evan McMullin (@Evan_McMullin) December 27, 2016

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Carl Paladino, who served as a New York co-chairman for Trump’s campaign, made racist remarks about first lady Michelle Obama Michelle LeVaughn Robinson ObamaBlack stars reimagine 'Friends' to get out the vote Obama shares phone number to find out how Americans are planning to vote Michelle Obama: 'Don't listen to people who will say that somehow voting is rigged' MORE last Friday.

“I’d like her to return to being a male and let loose in the outback of Zimbabwe where she lives comfortable in a cave with Maxie, the gorilla,” Paladino told arts publication Artvoice when asked, “What would you like to see go in 2017?”

The Buffalo real estate developer also said he hopes President Obama dies from mad cow disease.

Trump spokeswoman Jessica Ditto last Friday condemned Paladino’s remarks as “absolutely reprehensible,” adding, “They serve no place in our public discourse.”

Paladino on Tuesday, meanwhile, vowed he would not give up his Buffalo School Board seat while apologizing for the comments.

“I never intended to hurt the minority community who I spent years trying to help out of the cycle of poverty in our inner cities,” he said in a statement, as reported by WBEN 930. "To them I apologize.”

“No, I’m not leaving the school board, not when it’s time to implement the real choice elements of Trump’s plan for education reform,” Paladino added, insisting he is “certainly not a racist."