Rep. Laurel Lee endorses DeSantis for president

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FLV) – Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Fla., announced she has endorsed Gov. Ron DeSantis for president.

The governor has not announced a bid for the White House yet.

Lee was DeSantis’ secretary of state during part of his first term, resigning in 2022 to run for Congress in District 15.

“As Ron DeSantis’ Secretary of State, I had the honor of witnessing firsthand his unparalleled leadership under pressure, his character, and his commitment to core conservative principles,” she said in a statement released by pro-DeSantis super PAC Never Back Down.

“His leadership and his vision made Florida a shining beacon of freedom. Ron DeSantis fights for what matters, and he wins when it matters most,” she said. “Our country is in crisis, and it is time Americans learn what Floridians already know: Ron DeSantis’s conservative principles, proven track record, and his commitment to our country are exactly what we need in a leader.”

“It was my honor to serve in his administration and it is my honor today to endorse him for President of the United States,” she concluded.

Lee is the first Congressional member from DeSantis’ home state to give the governor an endorsement for 2024.

DeSantis has indicated he would not make a decision on 2024 publicly until after the Florida Legislature wraps up its session in May.

Earlier in April, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., endorsed DeSantis and urged him to run for president.

“America needs a leader who is decisive, respects the Constitution, understands policy, puts family first, and leads by inspiring. That’s why I’m endorsing Ron DeSantis for President,” Massie said in a press release.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, endorsed DeSantis earlier in March.

Lee’s endorsement of DeSantis came the same day Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., endorsed former President Donald Trump for 2024.

Trump has the endorsement of several Florida representatives including Greg Steube, Byron Donalds, Cory Mills, Matt Gaetz and Anna Paulina Luna.