“Trump blames DeSantis for two endorsed candidates’ losses, claims Ron’s magic is gone.”

Trump Celebrates Victory Over DeSantis-Endorsed Candidates

Former President Donald Trump took to social media on May 17 to celebrate the defeat of two candidates endorsed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in races in Kentucky and Jacksonville, Florida. Trump declared on his Truth Social account, “Ron’s magic is GONE!”

Kentucky Gubernatorial Race

Trump-endorsed Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron won the Republican nomination in the Kentucky gubernatorial race, defeating DeSantis-endorsed Kelly Craft, a former ambassador to the United Nations. Craft finished third with 17.5 percent of the vote, trailing Kentucky’s Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles (21.9 percent) and Cameron (46.9 percent).

In his victory speech, Cameron thanked the former president and added, “The Trump culture of winning is alive and well in Kentucky.” Cameron will face incumbent Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear in November, in a state that Trump carried with more than 62 percent of support in both 2016 and 2020.

“Congratulations to a ‘star’ in Kentucky, Daniel Cameron, who easily won the Republican Nomination for Governor. He had my Complete and Total Endorsement,” Trump wrote.

Jacksonville Mayoral Race

DeSantis also endorsed Republican candidate Daniel Davis in the mayoral race in Jacksonville, who lost to Democrat candidate Donna Deegan in a May 16 runoff. Deegan’s victory flipped the Jacksonville mayor’s office, which has been under GOP control since 2015 when incumbent Mayor Lenny Curry was first elected. Curry could not seek reelection this year because of term limits.

Trump claimed that Davis’s defeat was “a big upset” and “a shocker,” in a separate Truth Social post. “If they would have asked me to Endorse, he would have won, easily. Too proud to do so. Fools! This is a BIG LOSS for the Republican Party. Remember, ‘Rob’ only won because of me!!!” Trump added.

DeSantis’ Presidential Bid

DeSantis, seen as Trump’s main rival for the Republican nomination in 2024, has not officially launched a presidential bid but is expected to make his decision soon. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, biotechnology entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and conservative radio host Larry Elder have announced a 2024 run for the GOP nomination.

At an event in Iowa on May 13, DeSantis said the Republican Party needs to reject a “culture of losing.”