DeSantis camp makes case for electability after GOP losses in multiple states
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis and his campaign pounced on Tuesday’s Republican losses in states like Virginia and Kentucky, emphasizing their argument that the Florida governor is the most electable Republican on a national stage.
DeSantis defeated Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist last November by nearly 20%.
“In Florida, we have a culture of winning, leading, and delivering results,” the governor said Wednesday. “We showed that when we turned a swing state into a red state one year ago.”
“We not only won the greatest Republican victory in a governor’s race in FL history, but we also helped elect a record number of Republicans up-and-down the ballot,” he said. “The time for excuses is over.”
“Next November, with me as your nominee, we will defeat Joe Biden and END the culture of losing that has infected our party. It’s time to fight, win, and lead!” DeSantis said.
“This is the moment we Republicans have to decide we are tired of losing,” said Bryan Griffin, DeSantis’ campaign press secretary. “We can’t allow an outcome like last night to happen next year.”
“A Dem win in 2024 would mean even higher prices for gas and food, packed courts, rules changed and stacked against us, and every manner of new government control over your life that you can imagine,” he said. “@RonDeSantis built a coalition and ran on a record that trounced the Dems in Florida with a 20 point win. He can stop them nationally. We’ve got to nominate a winner.”
Among Tuesday’s GOP defeats include both chambers of the Virginia Legislature and former President Donald Trump-endorsed Kentucky gubernatorial candidate Daniel Cameron, who lost to incumbent Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat.
“I want Republicans to WIN,” said Christina Pushaw, a member of DeSantis’ campaign.
“Last night was a sweeping loss for republicans. It was eerily similar to last November, when the anticipated ‘red wave’ never came,” said James Uthmeier, named DeSantis’ campaign manager in August.
“@RonDeSantis won by 20 points and turned the swing state of Florida solid red,” he said. “We need a new leader that can win again for America.”
While DeSantis’ team focused on the GOP’s losses, Trump congratulated Republican Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, whom the former president endorsed ahead of the election.
“Congratulations to Tate Reeves of Mississippi on your great re-elect WIN for Governor!” Trump said on Truth Social Wednesday morning.
“The lesson from tonight is that Republicans can only win in 2024 if @realDonaldTrump is on the ballot,” said Alex Bruesewitz, a prominent Trump supporting personality and CEO of X Strategies. “Trump is the only one who can get voters to turn out.”
Tuesday’s GOP defeats came the day before Trump is set to host a Florida rally Wednesday at 7 p.m., along with the third Republican presidential debate to take place Wednesday at 8 p.m. in Miami.
According to the RealClearPolitics national average, Trump leads Biden by 1.4% as of Nov. 8.
