Reince Priebus' address comes amid intense rancor about the party's nominating process. | AP Priebus: GOP nominee must earn 1,237 delegates

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus reiterated to House Republicans Tuesday morning that the party's eventual nominee will have to earn 1,237 delegates, and that any change in the GOP's nominating rules will have to be approved by all delegates to the convention.

Speaking to lawmakers at the Capitol Hill Club Tuesday morning, Priebus said members of Congress can review conventionfacts.gop if they have questions about how the 2016 nominee will be chosen.


Priebus' explanation of the party rules comes as front runner Donald Trump continually maligns the process as rigged. Priebus' comments seem, in part, designed to explain that, in fact, the rules have been in place for some time, and party leadership cannot change them unilaterally.

On Capitol Hill, top lawmakers are beginning to concede that a contested convention is likely. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) this week said he is becoming more confident that the party's nomination will be decided on the second ballot.

"I am so pleased that such a meticulous attorney is the head of the RNC, because he is making sure that the rules are the rules — that we follow the rules," Speaker Paul Ryan said after the meeting with Priebus.

Trump, meanwhile, has been courting Capitol Hill lawmakers more aggressively, dispatching a top surrogate to meet with members of Congress to discuss the campaign.

Trump is expected to win New York's primary on Tuesday.