Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis picked up an endorsement from one GOP congressman before even announcing a 2024 presidential run.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) offered his support as he hopes for a win for the party in the next election.
DeSantis nabs presidential endorsement from GOP House member https://t.co/3svKcanXsT
— Microsoft News (@microsoftnews) March 15, 2023
The support
“When other Republicans were faltering in key races, Governor DeSantis provided a positive vision for the future with prudent, conservative action. The result was crystal clear: Republicans enjoyed sweeping, historic performances statewide,” Roy wrote in an email, according to the Associated Press.
“America has been built upon and defined by the sacrifices of one generation for the next,” Roy wrote. “When Republicans choose our 2024 presidential nominee — whom I intend to support against Joe Biden or any other Democrat candidate — I believe it’s time for a new generation of leadership. It’s time for younger, but proven, leadership to offer America eight solid years of transformational change.”
Chip Roy preemptively endorses Ron DeSantis for president https://t.co/cWIVUahVtv pic.twitter.com/ElpdlAznZp
— The Hill (@thehill) March 16, 2023
The significance
“Roy appears to be DeSantis’s first official congressional endorsement for president. Several other Republicans have endorsed Trump, while Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) endorsed former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who officially launched her candidacy last month,” The Hill reported.
“The endorsement from Roy, one of the most vocal hard-line Republicans in the House, is a notable rejection of former President Trump. Roy broke with Trump ahead of and on Jan. 6, 2021, criticizing his move to pressure Republicans to reject 2020 presidential election results,” it added.
Rep. Chip Roy Endorses DeSantis Before Official Presidential Bid
“America needs a leader who will truly defend her and empower the people against the destructive force of unrestrained government and corporate excess … and woke cultural indoctrination.”https://t.co/7Q4ce4LeMu
— The Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) March 15, 2023
The move is significant as Roy is the leader of the Freedom Caucus and could open the way for other Republicans to back DeSantis.
Former President Donald Trump has received endorsements from over two dozen House members.
DeSantis not yet running
DeSantis has yet to announce a run but has hosted multiple GOP leaders in recent weeks, including a weekend retreat attended by Roy and other Republican lawmakers.
The party’s leaders may increasingly fear a rematch of 2020’s election with similar results. DeSantis offers a stronger option for winning against Biden in battleground states lost by Trump, making him a key option for those seeking a win.
The major question now is whether DeSantis will actually run, turning the primary into a largely two-person showdown between the two conservatives from Florida.