WASHINGTON _ Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele on Friday became the first black person to head the Republican National Committee, according to news reports.

Steele was the most moderate candidate in the field and was considered an outsider because he is not an RNC member, according to The Associated Press.

Steele defeated four challengers, including incumbent Mike Duncan. Due to a lack of support, Duncan was forced to withdraw from the field midway through the balloting, the AP reported.

Pictured above is Michael Steele.