Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Suspends 2024 Presidential Bid

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has decided to suspend his 2024 presidential campaign, proclaiming his support for former President Donald Trump. This concludes a campaign widely seen as the top Republican option for the 45th president.

Reflecting on the Decision

DeSantis, reflecting on the decision in a video address, stated, “Following our second-place finish in Iowa, we’ve prayed and deliberated on the way forward. If there were anything I could do to produce a favourable outcome, I would do it. But I can’t ask our supporters to volunteer their time and donate their resources if we don’t have a clear path to victory. Accordingly, I am suspending my campaign today.”

Acknowledging Differences with Trump

Despite acknowledging past disagreements with Trump, the 45-year-old governor, they emphasized that the former president is superior to the incumbent, Joe Biden.

Endorsing Trump and Critiquing Old Republican Guard

Expressing concern about reverting to the old Republican guard, DeSantis stated, “We can’t go back to the old Republican guard of yesteryear, a repackaged form of warmed-over corporatism.” He endorsed Trump as the preferred choice to lead the party.

DeSantis threw his support behind Donald Trump for the GOP nomination.

Immediate Support from Key Figures

South Carolina State Senator Josh Kimbrell, the first elected official to back DeSantis in Nikki Haley’s home state, promptly threw his support behind Trump following DeSantis’ announcement.

Speculation and Campaign Dynamics

Speculation about the suspension of DeSantis’ campaign had been fueled by his low polling numbers in New Hampshire and the cancellation of events by his super PAC, Never Back Down, ahead of the first-in-the-nation primary.

Ron DeSantis dropped out of the 2024 race Sunday. REUTERS

Commitment Despite Challenges

As of late Friday, DeSantis had maintained his commitment to continue in the race until he saw no “path forward.” However, his single-digit polling in New Hampshire and strategic decisions by his campaign raised questions about the viability of his candidacy.

Shifting Political Focus

During campaigning in New Hampshire, Trump and Haley had already shifted their focus away from DeSantis, barely mentioning the Florida governor on the stump. The political landscape continues to evolve as the Republican primaries and caucuses progress, with DeSantis’ exit reshaping the dynamics of the race.