In a surprising development, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the suspension of his campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. This unexpected decision comes just two days before the New Hampshire primary, a critical early contest in the presidential race. DeSantis, 45, made his announcement via a video posted on a social media platform, where he also took the significant step of endorsing former President Donald Trump.
DeSantis’s campaign, which began with much anticipation last May, encountered a series of challenges both internally and externally. Despite launching as a popular alternative to Trump, DeSantis struggled to make a lasting impact in the polls. This was attributed in part to his campaign style, which focused on larger, more staged events that limited direct voter engagement. His emphasis was on his track record as Florida’s governor, particularly his handling of the pandemic and social issues.
However, his approach and reluctance to directly scrutinize Trump, especially after Trump’s indictment by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, limited DeSantis’s appeal. The overlap between his and Trump’s voter bases also constrained his ability to respond more assertively to Trump and his supporters’ escalating attacks.
The campaign faced internal issues as well, with the Never Back Down super PAC, which supported DeSantis, sometimes undermining his efforts. This included the premature release of a debate preparation memo and high-profile departures. The campaign’s management of finances also drew criticism, particularly for high expenditures on items such as private planes.
Despite these setbacks, DeSantis did have some successes, including securing the endorsement of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. His wife, Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis, was also seen as a valuable political asset. Nevertheless, DeSantis only managed to secure 21% of the vote in the Iowa caucuses, trailing Trump’s 51% and narrowly leading Nikki Haley, who came in third with 19%.
DeSantis’s term limit as Florida’s governor has sparked speculation about his future political plans, with some suggesting a potential run in the 2028 presidential race. His decision to exit the 2024 race and endorse Trump marks a significant shift in the Republican primary landscape, potentially consolidating support around Trump and reshaping the dynamics of the upcoming primaries.
