In a significant political development, five Republican state legislators from Florida have altered their 2024 presidential endorsements. They have moved their support from Governor Ron DeSantis to former President Donald Trump. This shift in allegiance was announced at the Florida GOP’s “Freedom Summit,” marking a notable change in the political landscape.
The legislators who have switched their endorsements are State Representatives Jessica Baker, Webster Barnaby, Alina Garcia, Kevin Steele, and State Senator Debbie Mayfield. Their decision follows Florida Senator Rick Scott’s endorsement of Trump, which was made public on the preceding Thursday.
BREAKING: Former President Trump brings all the Florida legislators who flipped their endorsement from DeSantis to him up on stage right after DeSantis spoke. pic.twitter.com/GU7IUuLEHv
— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) November 4, 2023
Despite this shift, Governor DeSantis remains a formidable figure within the Florida Capitol. His high approval ratings among Republican voters and his strategic use of veto power have kept the Republican-dominated Legislature largely aligned with his policies. However, the recent defections indicate a potential shift in the political winds.
State Representative Jessica Baker explained her decision to switch her endorsement, stating that she was representing the will of her constituents. She noted that amid growing global instability and economic uncertainty at home, her constituents expressed a desire to see Trump return to the White House and DeSantis continue his work in Florida.
Very telling. Everyone who is sane knows Trump is the only candidate who can reverse what's happening in the US. https://t.co/s2j16uQVeA
— 💓Nikki💓 (@Niknakgirl23) November 5, 2023
Similarly, State Senator Debbie Mayfield voiced her support for uniting the party behind Trump. She emphasized the need to prepare for the upcoming year and work collectively to prevent another term of what she described as Joe Biden’s disastrous policies.
However, not all legislators are comfortable with this shift. Some have privately expressed concerns about switching their endorsements due to fears that DeSantis might veto their bills or local spending projects in retaliation. This highlights the complex dynamics at play within the state’s political sphere.
In total, Trump secured endorsements from seven state legislators at the Florida Freedom Summit. This included State Representatives Mike Beltran and David Borrero, who had not previously endorsed any candidate in the race.
Despite these recent endorsements for Trump, DeSantis still holds a significant number of endorsements from Florida legislators. His tally stands at 93, down from 99 in May. This suggests that while there is a shift towards Trump, DeSantis continues to command considerable support within the state.
In conclusion, the shifting political allegiances within Florida’s Republican legislators reflect the ongoing dynamics of the 2024 presidential race. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these shifts will impact the broader political scenario in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
