In Florida politics, DeSantis endorsements show clout despite fizzled presidential bid
In 2022, as he romped to a reelection victory, Gov. Ron DeSantis also shaped the Legislature and school boards across the state with key endorsements.
Now, two years and one failed presidential bid later, he’s unleashing another round of endorsements, getting involved in races up and down the ballot.
This week he endorsed U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Panama City, for reelection in District 2, which covers part of the western Panhandle, and Mike Haridopolos, a former state Senate president running for a U.S. House seat in District 8, which covers Brevard and Indian River counties and part of Orange County.
Those backings followed endorsements in three open state House races, for Nick Primrose in District 18 in northern St. Johns County, Sam Greco in District 19 covering Flagler and part of St. Johns County, and Erika Booth in District 35, which covers parts of Orange and Osceola counties.
DeSantis backs those who 'join him' in mutual fights
“Governor DeSantis is proud to endorse candidates who will join him in his efforts to protect parental rights, back law enforcement and public safety, and continue our fight to keep Florida free,” said Taryn Fenske, a spokeswoman for DeSantis' Florida Freedom Fund political committee.
The last two years of a term-limited governor’s tenure can be seen as a lame duck period, but the string of endorsements suggest his brand is still buoyant within the Florida GOP despite his underwhelming showing in the presidential primary race.
Besides the congressional and legislative races, DeSantis is also backing a slate of school board candidates and putting political capital behind thwarting Amendment 3, which would legalize marijuana for recreational use, and Amendment 4, which would add a right to abortion in the state constitution.
On Friday, he endorsed candidates for sheriff in 54 of Florida's 67 counties.
“No question he still has a lot of influence over the party,” said state Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, and a former Republican Party of Florida chair. “Even though the presidential campaign didn’t work out, I think people still appreciate the job that he’s done as governor.”
The influence DeSantis wields – in the Legislature, on school boards, in the courts - could linger well after he leaves office, possibly helping DeSantis mount another run for president in 2028.
“In Republican politics, he’s likely to have a really long shadow after he leaves,” said Tallahassee-based lobbyist and Democratic consultant Steve Schale. “He’s had a real impact on elections in the state Senate. A lot of those folks are just beginning (their terms).”
But Gruters, one of a handful of state lawmakers to endorse Donald Trump against DeSantis for the presidential run, said he should avoid another clash with Trump if he wants to retain sway among GOP voters.
“Trump still dominates,” Gruters said. “The first endorsement people want is (Trump’s), and the second-best endorsement in the state is (from) DeSantis.”
DeSantis, Trump back different candidates in one race so far
The only race so far this year where DeSantis is backing someone against a candidate endorsed by Trump is in Senate District 7, which covers St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam and part of Volusia counties.
DeSantis is behind Rep. Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, while Trump has endorsed David Shoar, who served as St. Johns County sheriff for four terms.
Any renewed confrontation with Trump for the hearts and minds of the Florida GOP, though, could hinge on how Trump fares in November.
“If Trump loses, who knows what the field will look like in Florida in a year and a half?” Schale said. “The most important thing is going to be: What does Ron DeSantis’ approval rating with Republicans look like when he leaves office?”
Gray Rohrer is a reporter with the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at grohrer@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @GrayRohrer.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis endorsements still carry clout with Florida GOP
