The 2024 Revenge Tour is in full swing in Florida, as former President Donald Trump seizes the spotlight, capitalizing on internal divides among Florida Republicans. A Republican lawmaker, after switching allegiance to Trump, openly questions Gov. Ron DeSantis’ support for the Jewish community. Simultaneously, another lawmaker, snubbed by DeSantis, is actively persuading more colleagues to join the Trump camp. Additionally, former DeSantis political operatives, dissatisfied with their past association, are now working ardently for Trump, eager to undermine their former boss.
In this tug-of-war for home-state dominance, Trump gains an upper hand, exploiting the rifts between DeSantis and his fellow Republicans. DeSantis, on his path to political stardom, has left behind a trail of animosity within the state. As the 2024 campaign intensifies in Florida, the ever-shifting dynamics between the state’s Republicans and these prominent figures will be on full display.
The battleground will be at a state party event just outside Orlando, where Trump, DeSantis, and the rest of the GOP primary field will address Florida Republicans. DeSantis, squeezed between Florida Sen. Rick Scott and state Rep. Randy Fine, who recently accused DeSantis of not doing enough to combat Nazis and antisemitism, remains undeterred. Scott declared his endorsement for Trump, while Fine switched allegiance to the former president last month.
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In response to the endorsements swinging towards Trump, DeSantis displayed confidence, stating, “It’s a dynamic thing… politicians do what they’re gonna do.”
Amidst this political showdown, Trump allies Reps. Byron Donalds and Matt Gaetz will prime the audience before Trump’s keynote address. The Republican Party will hold its third presidential debate in Miami on Wednesday, with Trump opting for counterprogramming in Hialeah. Trump will later host Florida Republicans at Mar-a-Lago, while DeSantis focuses on fundraisers in the state.
While DeSantis attempts to regain political dominance, his relationships with Florida Republicans have suffered blows. Recent polls show Trump leading in early nominating states and national polls, leaving DeSantis trailing behind with Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor.
DeSantis’ challenges continue as he faces opposition within his party. State Rep. Fine’s accusation that DeSantis hasn’t done enough to combat antisemitism has sparked concerns among DeSantis’ allies. Some expect up to six Republicans in the Legislature to switch sides, primarily freshmen lawmakers elected last year.
Despite DeSantis’ efforts, Trump’s team includes several ex-DeSantis staffers, now working passionately against their former boss. Trump’s top campaign adviser, Susie Wiles, who previously led DeSantis’ successful 2018 gubernatorial campaign, is now actively working for Trump. Several other former DeSantis aides, including Justin Caporale and James Blair, are also part of Trump’s campaign.
DeSantis, however, maintains support from State House Speaker Paul Renner, who believes DeSantis is better positioned to carry GOP successes in Florida to the national stage.
As Trump and DeSantis continue their power struggle in Florida, the state’s Republicans eagerly await the outcome, knowing that their decision could shape the future of the GOP.
