Rising Republican star Elise Stefanik, who this week wrested a top leadership post from a fierce critic of Donald Trump, said Sunday that the former president remained the party's leader and was "critical" to winning back voters.

Stefanik was elected by Republicans Friday to the third-ranking post in the House of Representatives in a major victory for Trump, who still holds sway over much of the party and could run again for president in 2024.

She replaced Liz Cheney, who was ousted for criticizing Trump.

Trump is "critical to the party," Stefanik, 36, told Sunday Morning Futures on Fox News.