The political landscape in Florida is heating up as former President Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis vie for control of the state’s Republican party.
The 2024 campaign has seen a growing divide between DeSantis and other Florida Republicans, which Trump has skillfully exploited.
As the 2024 campaign gains momentum, the dynamics between these two influential figures were on full display.
A Growing Divide
The recent shift in support from Republican lawmakers towards Trump has put Governor DeSantis in a precarious position.
State Representative Randy Fine, the only Jewish Republican lawmaker in Florida, has publicly criticized DeSantis for what he perceives as a lack of action against Nazis and antisemitism.
This sentiment is echoed by other Republicans who have jumped on the Trump bandwagon, including Senator Rick Scott. These rifts within the party have given Trump the upper hand in the struggle for home-state dominance.
Read: “It’s Coming” State GOP Officials In Florida Expected To Shift Support From DeSantis To Trump
The Battle for Support
To gauge their support among Florida Republicans, both Trump and DeSantis are scheduled to address a state party event. DeSantis finds himself sandwiched between Scott and Fine, two figures who have publicly aligned themselves with Trump.
While DeSantis remains unfazed by lawmakers switching their endorsements, his allies fear that more Republicans will follow suit. State Senator Joe Gruters, previously at odds with DeSantis, is actively recruiting colleagues to support Trump.
However, DeSantis’s line-item veto authority and his ability to deliver results have helped him maintain the loyalty of most lawmakers.
Trump’s Allies in Florida
Trump’s influence in Florida is bolstered by his strong alliance with Representatives Byron Donalds and Matt Gaetz. These staunch Trump supporters are poised to rally Republicans in the state, further solidifying the former president’s grip on Florida politics.
Meanwhile, Trump’s refusal to participate in the Republican Party’s third presidential debate in Miami has prompted him to schedule counterprogramming in Hialeah. This strategic move demonstrates Trump’s determination to overshadow DeSantis and maintain his stronghold in the state.
DeSantis’ Struggles
Despite orchestrating a resounding victory in the 2020 Florida gubernatorial race, DeSantis’s influence within the GOP has waned in recent months. His presidential aspirations have suffered setbacks, with Nikki Haley surging ahead in the polls alongside Trump.
DeSantis’s attempts to reassert himself as Florida’s dominant political force have been met with resistance from enemies he has accumulated over the years. The governor’s strained relationship with the consultant class has left him with fewer experienced campaign operatives compared to Trump.
Read: Florida Gov. DeSantis Pledges To Support Trump, Even If He’s Convicted, But Adds ‘We’re Gonna Win’
Trump’s Tour
A notable aspect of the 2024 campaign is the presence of former DeSantis staffers in Trump’s political operation. These individuals, once loyal to DeSantis, have switched sides and are now working diligently to prevent his ascent to the White House.
Led by Susie Wiles, a highly successful political operative in Florida, Trump’s campaign team is replete with ex-DeSantis staffers who have firsthand knowledge of the governor’s strengths and weaknesses.
This influx of experienced operatives gives Trump an advantage in a state that holds significant symbolic and delegate value.
The Impact of Personal Vendettas
Deep-rooted personal animosity towards DeSantis has fueled Trump’s determination to upstage him at every turn. Former allies who have experienced acrimonious divorces with the governor are now working against him.
The presence of these ex-DeSantis staffers within Trump’s campaign has led to jokes about the “2024 revenge tour.”
The extensive knowledge they possess about DeSantis gives them a strategic edge in a race that was once dominated solely by Trump and DeSantis.
Read: Trump Camp Attacks Florida Gov. DeSantis Over His Boots Saying “America’s Next Top Model”
Maintaining Support from Close Allies
Despite these challenges, DeSantis retains the support of key figures within the Republican Party. Senate President Kathleen Passidomo attests to DeSantis’s collaborative and attentive nature, countering the negative portrayals of the governor in the press.
The personal vendettas and political maneuvering may not be indicative of the governor’s overall reputation or his ability to deliver results for Florida.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps