5 GOP Florida State Legislators Switch Endorsements to Trump, Leaving DeSantis
Florida Legislators Switch Allegiance from DeSantis to Trump
Five Florida legislators have recently changed their support from Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis to former President Donald Trump in the race for the GOP presidential nomination.
During the Florida Freedom Summit, Trump gained seven endorsements from state legislators, including the five who flipped from DeSantis to Trump. The legislators who switched their support are State Reps. Jessica Baker, Webster Barnaby, Alina Garcia, Kevin Steele, and State Sen. Debbie Mayfield.
State Representatives Mike Beltran and David Borrero, who had not yet endorsed a candidate, also threw their support behind Trump.
Previously, Trump lost the support of two New Hampshire state representatives and an Iowa state senator, who defected to DeSantis.
Strong Support for Trump
According to The Messenger, the news outlet that first reported the endorsements, Baker stated, “As instability grows around the world and economic uncertainty takes root here at home, folks across my district tell me constantly they want to see President Donald Trump back in the White House and Gov. Ron DeSantis back on the job here in Florida, finishing the work he promised to do less than a year ago.”
During his address at the summit, Trump brought the legislators who switched their support on stage, receiving the strongest show of support among all GOP candidates for president. The crowd erupted in chants of ”We love Trump!”
WATCH: “We love Trump!” chants break out among Florida crowd after Trump brings up Florida lawmakers who flipped their endorsement from DeSantis pic.twitter.com/yKlux9splo
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) November 4, 2023
The seven endorsements follow State Rep. Randy Fine, who endorsed Trump two weeks ago. Trump also has the support of the majority of Florida’s congressional delegation, including Reps. Byron Donalds, Matt Gaetz, and Anna Paulina Luna. Fourteen of Florida’s Republican congress members have endorsed Trump, while one has endorsed DeSantis.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), who served as Florida’s governor until 2019 when he became senator, also endorsed Trump, stating, “I don’t think there’s any question in my mind. He is the one person running that can really bring strength back to our country.”
In recent elections, Scott and DeSantis narrowly won their gubernatorial races, while Trump won Florida by a small margin in 2016 and increased his support in the state in 2020.
DeSantis’s team downplayed the endorsements, emphasizing his strong support in Iowa and Florida.
“Ron DeSantis is dominating the field — including the former president — in supportive state legislative endorsements from across the country,” said spokesman Bryan Griffin. “In Iowa, DeSantis holds a historic count of 41 state legislative endorsements, which far surpasses Trump … And, in Florida, DeSantis has nearly 100 state legislators endorsing his run for president. That, too, is a number that significantly outpaces Trump.”
How might the endorsements for Trump by these Florida legislators impact the outcome of the 2024 GOP primaries, particularly in terms of swaying other officials and voters in the state to rally behind him
Support to the stage, thanking them for their endorsement and expressing his gratitude for their decision to back him in the race for the GOP nomination. He highlighted the accomplishments of his administration and emphasized the need for strong leadership to navigate the challenges facing the country.
The legislators cited several reasons for their switch in allegiance. They praised Trump’s conservative policies, his dedication to rebuilding the economy, and his strong stance on immigration and border security. They also acknowledged the former president’s ability to connect with voters and his unwavering commitment to putting America first.
Notably, the legislators mentioned concerns about the current state of the world and the economic uncertainties faced by their constituents. They believe that a Trump-DeSantis ticket is the best combination to address these challenges and ensure a prosperous future for Florida and the nation as a whole. By endorsing Trump, they hope to bring stability and economic growth back to their districts and the country.
This shift in support comes as a blow to Governor Ron DeSantis, who was previously considered a frontrunner for the Republican nomination. DeSantis has gained popularity within the party for his strong conservative stance and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida. However, the endorsements for Trump indicate a growing preference for the former president among some key Florida lawmakers.
The Florida Freedom Summit served as a platform for these legislators to announce their support for Trump, but it also showcased the growing momentum behind his potential candidacy. The event attracted a large audience of Republican activists, supporters, and potential donors, further solidifying Trump’s position as a leading contender for the GOP nomination.
As the race for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination heats up, these endorsements from key Florida legislators provide a significant boost to Trump’s campaign. Florida’s influence in national politics cannot be understated, and the support of these lawmakers could sway other GOP officials and voters in the state to rally behind Trump.
While DeSantis still maintains a strong base of support in Florida, the endorsements for Trump indicate a shifting political landscape within the state. As the former president continues to lay the groundwork for a potential campaign, the support from legislators and influential figures like Governor DeSantis will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the Republican primaries.
The switch in allegiance by these five Florida legislators highlights the fluidity of the political landscape and the importance of strong leadership during challenging times. The 2024 GOP primaries promise to be a fascinating and closely contested race, with Trump and DeSantis now emerging as front-runners in the competition for the party’s nomination. Only time will tell how these endorsements and shifting allegiances will ultimately impact the trajectory of the GOP and the future of American politics.
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