Elections
Florida GOP governor primary nears finish without DeSantis endorsement
PN Team • 2 months ago
Florida's Republican gubernatorial primary to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis is reaching its conclusion with DeSantis notably withholding support from any candidate. Rep. Byron Donalds, endorsed by President Trump, remains the frontrunner, but DeSantis has publicly criticized him for not being "part of any of the victories" of recent years. Former state House Speaker Paul Renner, who campaigned for DeSantis' 2024 presidential bid, entered the race last fall only to have DeSantis say he was "not supporting" him and called his decision to run "ill-advised." Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, appointed by DeSantis last year and pledging to protect his legacy, has also gone unendorsed, and on the eve of the primary announced Florida emergency management director Kevin Guthrie as his running mate in an apparent bid to align himself with the DeSantis administration.
The rift follows DeSantis' rejected trial balloons for a run by his wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and Trump's early move to back Donalds. The outcome will shape Florida's political direction and signal the durability of DeSantis' influence within state GOP politics.
Sources:
Sentiment
- Ron DeSantis DeSantis is portrayed as withholding endorsements and publicly criticizing multiple candidates, suggesting internal party friction and diminished influence.
- Donald Trump Trump is depicted as an early, decisive backer of the frontrunner, reinforcing his political influence.
- Byron Donalds Donalds is portrayed as the frontrunner with Trump's endorsement, but also criticized by DeSantis for lacking involvement in past victories, balancing the impact.
- Florida Florida is the setting for the gubernatorial race, mentioned factually without reputational framing.
- Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party's Florida primary is the subject of the article but is discussed neutrally as a political process.
- United States House of Representatives Byron Donalds' current role as a member of the House is mentioned only tangentially as context.