Despite Governor Ron DeSantis’ landslide reelection last year, Florida Republicans have expressed their dissatisfaction with his presidential campaign. They accuse him of betraying former President Donald Trump, who endorsed DeSantis in his gubernatorial campaigns and neglecting his duties as governor to campaign for president.
At a recent Trump rally in Hialeah, Florida, Republican voter Sally Maltais voiced her disappointment with DeSantis. “He backstabbed our president,” Maltais said. “And now I have no respect for DeSantis. I’m sorry. I don’t.” She added that she was upset that DeSantis was campaigning for president because she had voted for him to do his job as governor. “And while he’s out campaigning, he’s not doing his governorship job. And I’m not the only Floridian that feels that way. And we need him back here to govern. That’s what we elected him for.”
Another Republican voter, Victor Alvarez, echoed Maltais’ sentiments. He told NPR that Trump has an insurmountable lead over all other remaining candidates, both in Florida and nationwide. He said, “I believe Trump will win in ’24 and it’s not going to be an issue of somebody else running. He’s ahead in the polls right now and he has not gone to any of the Republican debates. Think about that.”
Indeed, the RealClearPolitics (RCP) polling average for the 2024 Republican primary in Florida shows Trump with a comfortable 40-point lead over the rest of the GOP field. Nationally, RCP averages show Trump with a massive lead over his opponents, even though former UN ambassador Nikki Haley has shot up to second place in early state polls. The next Republican debate will take place on Wednesday, December 6, though Trump is not expected to attend.
Despite these odds, DeSantis continues his presidential campaign, leading to a growing dissatisfaction among Florida Republicans. As the 2024 Republican presidential primary approaches, it remains to be seen how this discontent will impact DeSantis’ campaign and the broader political landscape. This situation serves as a reminder of the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of politics. It underscores the importance of loyalty, endorsement, and the fulfillment of duties in shaping public opinion and political outcomes.
The political landscape in Florida is witnessing a significant shift as Republicans express their dissatisfaction with Governor Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign. Despite his landslide reelection as governor last year, DeSantis is facing criticism from his own party for allegedly betraying former President Donald Trump and neglecting his gubernatorial duties.
With Trump leading comfortably in the polls, both in Florida and nationwide, many Republicans believe that other candidates, including DeSantis, should drop out and endorse Trump. As the 2024 Republican presidential primary approaches, it remains to be seen how this discontent among Florida Republicans will impact DeSantis’ campaign and the broader political landscape.
This situation serves as a reminder of the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of politics. It underscores the importance of loyalty, endorsement, and the fulfillment of duties in shaping public opinion and political outcomes.
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