DeSantis has played favorites in one Florida Senate GOP primary, and is eyeing others
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ endorsements signal that the governor, ahead of upcoming elections, is seeking to expand his support within the Florida Legislature and beyond. | Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesTALLAHASSEE, Fla. — GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis is increasingly using his clout with Republican voters to elevate political allies throughout the state, marking the first real effort to build a political network by a governor with a notoriously small inner circle.
DeSantis, whose campaign did not return a request seeking comment, has in the past been notoriously stingy with his endorsements, using them in rare cases and generally only when his preferred candidate was very likely to be victorious. That changed, however, when DeSantis last month backed state Rep. Blaise Ingoglia , who was running for a Florida Senate seat eyed by fellow House Republican Ralph Massullo .
“From a strategic political standpoint, Governor DeSantis’ endorsement is the most powerful thing in a Republican primary right now,” Ingoglia said in an interview. “The intensity of the endorsement is off the charts, with 76 percent of primary voters more likely to vote for a DeSantis-endorsed candidate.”
“All leaders, from presidents to governors, want people philosophically aligned with them. I do not think it’s uncommon,” said Rep. Cord Byrd . “[DeSantis] has been clear he is the leader of the Republican Party and he wanted some of these decisions run by him. I think this is consistent with that idea.”
“There is a lot of chatter about it, I realize that, but so far the governor has not endorsed anyone,” Byrd said. “I am fortunate to have a lot of options, remaining in elected office is one of them.” Another potential target for DeSantis’ involvement is the Treasure Coast-based Florida Senate seat sought by state Rep. Erin Grall, a Vero Beach Republican leaving the House after three terms to run for Senate. There is increasing discussion within the Capitol about DeSantis backing a challenger to Grall, who is loyal to Senate leadership. Grall did not respond to a request seeking comment.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Betsy DeVos and Her Family Are Flooding Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis With CashBetsy DeVos and her family have donated more than $280,000 to back Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ re-election effort amid his crackdown on discussions of race and sexual orientation in schools.
Read more »
Renowned fellowships aren't the only optionCongratulations to this year’s NSF graduate fellowship recipients! For those who didn’t get the news they wanted, here’s a reminder that there are more options out there. ScienceWorkingLife ScienceCareers
Read more »
Trump endorses Palin in bid for Alaska’s sole US House seat - Alaska Public MediaTrump backed Palin late Sunday in a statement from his political action committee.
Read more »
DeSantis' Dem challengers yet to condemn Disney's silence on China's Uyghur genocideThe Mouse House has made headlines recently as they have been slammed from all sides over their opposition to the DeSantis-backed parental rights in education bill that has recently become law.
Read more »
This Second Grader Has More Common Sense Than Ron DeSantisEight-year-old Sawyer Robbins says Florida’s new “Don’t Say Gay” law is a real head-scratcher.
Read more »
Regencycore Fashion Sees Increase in Searches Following ‘Bridgerton’ and ‘The Gilded Age’The two Regency-era TV shows have influenced fashion searches related to their opulent costumes.
Read more »