Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-F.L., is widely expected to run for the White House as a 2024 Republican presidential primary contender — but he still has to formerly declare.
But formality didn’t stop one MAGA Republican from crossing the lines from former President Donald Trump’s camp and preemptively endorsing DeSantis.
Rep. Chip Roy, R-T.X., sent an email to supporters asking them to also support DeSantis as the next president of the United States.
“The next President of the United States must be a vibrant and energetic leader with the faith, vision, and courage to chart a new course,” Roy said in a fundraising email on Wednesday.
“America needs a leader who will truly defend her and empower the people against the destructive force of unrestrained government and corporate excess, profligate spending, and woke cultural indoctrination.”
“That leader is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis,” his statement read.
Roy praised DeSantis’ faith, his handling of the COVID pandemic in Florida, and his ability to win — and win decisively — at the ballot box.
Roy, a member of the far-right Freedom Caucus, continued —
Perhaps most of all, Governor DeSantis makes clear he would lead our nation as commander in chief with the kind of resolve and sober strength that produces peace through strength. A veteran himself, he recognizes that a military is best when it is strong, non-politically correct, and lethal – while being sparingly but decisively used and not mired in endless, protracted military engagements all around the globe.
America has been built upon and defined by the sacrifices of one generation for the next. 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.
It’s time for Ron DeSantis to be President of the United States.
Trump’s camp has not ignored DeSantis’ rise as the leading challenger to the 45th president’s re-election hopes. A Super PAC loyal to Trump filed a complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics on Wednesday, accusing DeSantis of running a “shadow” campaign for president.
Trump has regularly attacked DeSantis on his Truth Social app since January, coining the nickname “DeSanctimonious.”
He wrote on Thursday —
