DeSantis camp says they’re ‘dominating’ in state endorsements as Trump flips Florida lawmakers
KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Off the heels of several Florida state-level lawmakers flipping their endorsements to former President Donald Trump from Gov. Ron DeSantis, the governor’s campaign said he is still “dominating” the field in state legislative support.
Multiple Florida lawmakers flipped their endorsement to Trump ahead of the Florida Freedom Summit Saturday, first reported by Marc Caputo of The Messenger.
“Ron DeSantis is dominating the field–including the former president–in supportive state legislative endorsements from across the country,” said campaign press secretary Bryan Griffin in a statement to Florida’s Voice.
“In Iowa, DeSantis holds a historic count of 41 state legislative endorsements, which far surpasses Trump,” Griffin said. “In New Hampshire, DeSantis has over 60 endorsed state legislators–again, more than Trump.”
Griffin pointed to DeSantis still having a massive plethora of Florida state-level endorsements.
“And, in Florida, DeSantis has nearly 100 state legislators endorsing his run for president,” he said. “That, too, is a number that significantly outpaces Trump.”
“This is yet another example of why DeSantis is the only candidate in this race with the message, resources, and organization needed to defeat both Trump and Biden,” Griffin said.
Those that switched from DeSantis to Trump include: Sen. Debbie Mayfield, R-Melbourne, and Reps. Jessica Baker, R-Jacksonville; Webster Barnaby, R-Deltona; Alina Garcia, R-Miami; and Kevin Steele, R-Dade City, as reported by The Messenger.
Trump picked up two additional state lawmaker endorsements: Reps. Mike Beltran, R-Riverview, and David Borrero, R-Sweetwater.
Ahead of Saturday’s political event, the DeSantis campaign said that Florida is “DeSantis Country.”
“Reminder: Ron DeSantis won Florida by 20 points – the largest margin of victory in a Florida governor’s race in modern history,” they said. “Florida is DeSantis Country.”
Rep. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach, was a high-profile Jewish lawmaker who flipped to Trump in October, slamming DeSantis’ record on Jewish issues.
Fine claimed the governor “said almost nothing” with regards to alleged antisemitic incidents in Florida.
In a statement to Florida’s Voice, DeSantis’ campaign called Fine’s comments “shameful political theater.”
Saturday, Fine celebrated the additional endorsement flips on the Florida state-level.
“I want to congratulate @debbie_mayfield for following my lead and endorsing @realDonaldTrump today! Welcome to the team!” Fine said.
Ahead of this weekend’s Freedom Summit, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., also endorsed Trump.
Trump has the endorsement of most U.S. representatives from Florida compared to DeSantis.
