Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has garnered support for his presidential campaign from an unexpected source. Former Trump campaign and administration members, as well as previous Trump supporters, have endorsed DeSantis. Here are some notable figures who have shifted their support to DeSantis:
Ken Cuccinelli, a former senior official in the Trump administration who served as the acting deputy secretary of Homeland Security, is one of the most vocal former Trump supporters to have transitioned to DeSantis. Cuccinelli launched the “Never Back Down” super PAC in March to encourage DeSantis to run for president. He praised DeSantis for his action-oriented approach and declared his support.
Steve Cortes, a senior adviser to Trump’s 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns, now advises and represents Never Back Down. Earlier this month, Cortes threw his support behind DeSantis, considering him the best option to win the presidency in 2024. In an op-ed for Newsweek, Cortes explained that his decision was not taken lightly, having served as a spokesperson and adviser to Trump, but he emphasized that the “America First movement” transcends any individual.
Representative Chip Roy (R-Texas) became the first sitting member of Congress to endorse DeSantis for president in March, even before DeSantis officially announced his candidacy. Roy highlighted the need for a vibrant and visionary leader who can chart a new course, praising DeSantis for rejecting “woke corporate America and higher education” and advocating for politically incorrect positions. He emphasized the necessity of new leadership within the GOP.
Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who supported Trump during the 2020 election, endorsed DeSantis last month. Massie and Trump had disagreements in the past, with Trump criticizing Massie as a “third-rate grandstander” during the pandemic. However, Trump later endorsed Massie in his 2022 reelection campaign, describing him as a conservative warrior and defender of the Constitution.
Representative Bob Good (R-Va.) recently announced his endorsement of DeSantis through Never Back Down. Good commended DeSantis for delivering effective results and expressed confidence in his potential to win the presidency. Good emphasized the need for courageous conservative leadership to counter woke corporations, corrupt politicians, and threats to faith, families, and freedoms.
These endorsements demonstrate the growing support for Ron DeSantis among prominent figures who were previously aligned with or worked for the Trump administration.
