Global Courant 2023-04-19 09:27:16
While many Republican lawmakers back former President Donald J. Trump to become the Republican nominee — setting up a potential rematch with President Biden — some have expressed support for one of his potential challengers: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Fla., has become the latest to support DeSantis, announcing Tuesday that she would throw her support behind the potential nominee.
“As Secretary of State to Ron DeSantis, I had the honor of witnessing firsthand his unparalleled leadership under pressure, character and commitment to core conservative principles. His leadership and vision made Florida a shining beacon of liberty,” said Lee in a position. “Ron DeSantis fights for what matters, and he wins when it matters most.”
She added: “Our country is in crisis and it’s time Americans learned what Floridians already know: Ron DeSantis’ conservative principles, proven track record and his commitment to our country are exactly what we need in a leader. It was my honor to serve in his administration and it is my honor today to support him for President of the United States.”
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Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Fla., endorsed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as President of the United States on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. He has not yet officially announced a bid. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Lee is the third House Republican to support DeSantis.
Representatives Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Chip Roy of Texas have also endorsed Florida’s governor, over Trump, for the 2024 contest.
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DeSantis has not yet announced his candidacy, although he is expected to launch a presidential campaign when Florida’s legislative session ends next month.
A pro-DeSantis political action committee has remained committed to increasing the governor’s chances in a possible fight with Trump, slowly building his political operation and war chest. A super-PAC called Never Back Down, staffed with top Republican agents and communications officers, was formed in March to help DeSantis get elected.
Former US President Donald Trump has received approval from more than 50 members of Congress, including nine senators. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
While DeSantis’ magic number currently stands at three, Trump has more than 50 lawmakers behind him.
Nine U.S. Senators: Ted Budd of North Carolina, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, Eric Schmitt of Missouri, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, and JD Vance from Ohio — and more than 45 House Republicans have publicly endorsed the former president.
South Carolina’s other U.S. senator, Tim Scott, has set up an exploratory committee on his own possible bid for the White House.
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Of those supporters in the US House of Representatives, six are from Florida.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis enjoys broad support among Republicans but has not officially announced his intention to run for president. Such an announcement, should it take place, is expected to take place in May or June. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Both Trump and DeSantis have ties to the state, as the former officially moved there after leaving New York and the latter represented the state in Congress before winning the governorship.
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Trump also leads over DeSantis in most national polls when considering other candidates and in a hypothetical head-to-head contest.
Former US ambassador Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Rasmussey also announced presidential bids. Other candidates are expected.
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President Biden has not officially announced re-election yet, though he has said he will eventually.
Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
