Former President Donald Trump is making waves in the Sunshine State, Florida. As we gear up for a key party nomination debate in Miami next week, five Republican legislators from Florida have switched their endorsements from Governor Ron DeSantis to the ex-POTUS himself.
It’s all part of Trump’s strategy to expand his support in Florida and, in the process, overshadow Governor DeSantis’s presidential aspirations right in their shared home state. Recent days have seen Trump securing some significant endorsements, including those from U.S. Senator Rick Scott and state lawmaker Randy Fine, who was a long-time DeSantis ally.
But that’s not all – Trump has already garnered the backing of the majority of the state’s Republicans in Congress, and the word on the street is that more Florida Republicans might soon join the Trump train. The implications are clear: Trump’s dominance in the 2024 Republican race is undeniable, while DeSantis’s once highly anticipated White House bid appears to be hitting some rough waters.
DeSantis, known for enacting policies favored by conservatives and pushing Florida further to the right, now finds himself lagging behind in the 2024 race. He’s not just in a race for the nomination; he’s also up against a Trump campaign with a laser focus on embarrassing DeSantis both within his home state and on a national stage.
Florida has always been DeSantis’s stronghold, serving as the source of his campaign’s financial support and key talking points about his conservative governance. Many GOP members of the Florida Legislature had previously endorsed DeSantis. However, the recent endorsements switch is a significant blow to his campaign.
In the midst of this political clash, it’s worth noting that Trump is currently well ahead in national polls and early state support. He’s also eager to establish his dominance over DeSantis in a state they both call home, which could further erode the Florida Governor’s chances.
DeSantis’s once-impressive tally of 99 Florida legislator endorsements from his home state has dwindled to 93. Some lawmakers seem to be sticking with him to avoid potential vetoes of their bills or hometown spending projects. Meanwhile, the legislators who’ve switched to Team Trump, like State Congresswoman Jessica Baker, cite concerns over world instability and economic insecurity as reasons for their change in allegiance.
As the race unfolds and the primary season approaches, it’s clear that Florida will remain a battleground where these two GOP heavyweights battle it out for supremacy. Stay tuned for more updates on this political showdown!