Lawmaker says DeSantis didn’t invite him to Christmas party over lack of 2024 endorsement
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A Florida state representative who did not endorse Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential bid for 2024 responded to comments from the governor expressing grace for Republicans whether they endorse him or not.
“I want everybody to do well,” DeSantis said on PBS. “I’m not gonna go out and trash good Republicans just because they haven’t endorsed me.”
Rep. Juan Porras, R-Miami, said he and other Florida Republicans who did not endorse DeSantis did not receive an invite to the Christmas party at the Governor’s Mansion, which took place Wednesday, according to multiple posts from attendees.
“But tell us a little more about unity!” Porras said.
Christina Pushaw, rapid response director for the DeSantis campaign, told Porras in response that “unity” isn’t about “inviting this or that politician to every party.”
Recently, after New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu backed a DeSantis 2024 rival for president, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, DeSantis sung praise for Sununu rather than hurling attacks.
Another Florida lawmaker, Rep. Michelle Salzman, R-Escambia County, told Porras she is “very disappointed” in his comments.
“There is a difference between trashing and including,” she said. “You could have let this ride. Why would you intentionally insert yourself into a non issue. I love you, but this is poor taste.”
Former President Donald Trump recently brought up on stage at a major Florida Republican convention lawmakers who flipped from DeSantis.
Days before DeSantis’ 2024 announcement in May, DeSantis had already clinched nearly all Florida Republican state lawmakers’ endorsements.
Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, was at the time a standalone Florida GOP lawmaker who backed Trump publicly.
Since then, more have joined Gruters, including: Sens. Debbie Mayfield, R-Melbourne, and Sen. Illeana Garcia, R-Miami, and Reps. Rick Roth, R-West Palm Beach; Jessica Baker, R-Jacksonville; Webster Barnaby, R-Deltona; Alina Garcia, R-Miami; Kevin Steele, R-Dade City; Mike Beltran, R-Riverview; and David Borrero, R-Sweetwater.
