Protestors charge an unfazed DeSantis at record fundraising New Hampshire event
MANCHESTER, N.H. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke at the New Hampshire Republican Party’s Amos Tuck fundraising dinner Friday evening, where a record amount of funds poured in.
New Hampshire GOP Chairman Chris Ager ahead of the dinner told Fox News that the event is slated to have over 500 in attendance.
It was expected to draw a “record” $250,000. However, the chairman announced a record $382,000 was raised.
“We had to close ticket sales earlier this week,” Agler told Fox.
During the event, protestors stormed the stage chanting “Jews against DeSantis!”
The governor was unfazed by the protestors approaching and getting on the stage, seen passing directly behind him.
“Yeah, thank you,” the governor said as security apprehended them.
The dinner took place 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown.
The trip to New Hampshire comes a day after the governor made two speeches Thursday in Ohio, one in Summit County in the morning and one in Butler County in the evening.
The governor reflected on his narrow 2018 gubernatorial victory against Democrat Andrew Gillum, which was won by just a fraction of a percent of the vote.
He said despite narrowly winning, he was set on implementing conservative policies and ignoring polls.
“My view was I may have received 50% of the vote, but I earned 100% of the executive power and I intended to use that aggressively to pursue a conservative agenda,” DeSantis said. “We also said from day one, I am gonna lead by conviction and I am not taking polls to tell me what to do.”
DeSantis has not publicly announced intentions to run for president in 2024, but he is expected to make a “national” political decision after the Legislature wraps up its session in May.
Speculation of a run continues to swirl as reports have emerged of the governor already planning a May trip to Iowa, after the Legislature is no longer in session.
DeSantis first stopped in Iowa in mid-March, appearing with fellow Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds.
Iowa is traditionally one of the “first stops” for GOP presidential candidates.
Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, will reportedly host the event, called the “Feenstra Family Picnic.”
DeSantis will also be joined by his wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis.
In a statement to Fox, DeSantis said in several ways, Iowa is similar to the Sunshine State.
“In Iowa, like Florida, freedom is valued, parents’ rights are protected, and faith comes first,” he said. “Congressman Feenstra is a strong conservative with a record of delivering results, and I’m happy to support him.”
The event is reportedly set to take place on May 13 in Sioux Center. General admission costs $50 for adults, and attendees can choose to donate up to $3,300 for individuals or $6,600 for couples.
In March, DeSantis described the state as “well run.”
“They love their state because it’s well run […] She had to make tough decisions in Iowa that were the right decisions,” the governor said. “We chose freedom just like Iowa, and we were right and they were wrong.”
Feenstra had kind words for DeSantis.
“Governor DeSantis championed freedom and common sense. Florida — like Iowa — are clear examples of what strong conservative leadership can deliver for our country,” he said.
According to Fox, Reynolds and Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, are also expected be in attendance.
On April 21, DeSantis is slated to speak at the Heritage Foundation’s 50th leadership summit in National Harbor, Maryland.
There are also reports that DeSantis is considering a trip to Asia, in addition to his confirmed state business trip to Israel later in April.
Editor’s note: This story was updated to add details from the event Friday evening.
