Florida Lawmakers Take Sides In Dueling Endorsements For The 2024 Republican Nominee – Trump Or DeSantis?

On Monday, two Florida lawmakers made their endorsements for the Republican nomination for the presidency. Two lawmakers decided that they would back 45th President Donald Trump and one lawmaker put her support behind Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL).

As previously reported by the DC Enquirer, Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL) backed President Trump, explaining, “As a former Sheriff, I understand the importance of a fair and impartial system of justice. The systemic targeting of Americans with conservative ideals, especially our 45th President of the United States, disgraces our nation’s legacy.”

“As strong Republicans, we must restore Law, Order, and Justice to our country, and President Trump is the right person to do it,” the Florida Republican emphasized. “Under President Trump’s leadership, America was more safe, more secure, and more prosperous, and as the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump will Make America Great Again!”

pic.twitter.com/t3qRdYAOcW

— John Rutherford (@JRutherfordFL) April 18, 2023

Meanwhile, Capitol Hill CNN reporter Melanie Zanona stated on Twitter that Rep. Brian Mast will also be endorsing the 45th President.

“Rep. Brian Mast tells me he plans to endorse Donald Trump for president, becoming the 7th House Republican from Florida to do so. Mast also says he’ll be chairing ‘Veterans for Trump,'” the CNN correspondent reported. “Another key pick-up for Trump, who has been courting support from the FL delegation.”

NEWS: Rep. Brian Mast tells me he plans to endorse Donald Trump for president, becoming the 7th House Republican from Florida to do so. Mast also says he'll be chairing “Veterans for Trump."

Another key pick-up for Trump, who has been courting support from the FL delegation.

— Melanie Zanona (@MZanona) April 18, 2023

As Trump picks up two endorsements from amongst the 20 Florida Republicans, it brings his total up to seven with Reps. Matt Gaetz, Anna Paulina Luna, Byron Donalds, Cory Mills, John Rutherford, and Greg Steube all support the leading Republican candidate.

Not all Florida Republicans are backing Trump for the nomination, however. 

PRESIDENT TRUMP RACKS UP EVEN MORE ENDORSEMENTS AS FLORIDA LAWMAKERS SIDE WITH HIM OVER REPUBLICAN COMPETITORS

Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL) put her support behind Gov. DeSantis, making her the first Florida Republican to do so. Thus far, Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) have also endorsed DeSantis.

“As Ron DeSantis’s Secretary of State, I had the honor of witnessing firsthand his unparalleled leadership under pressure, his character, and his commitment to core conservative principles,” Lee began.

“His leadership and his vision made Florida a shining beacon of freedom,” she continued. “Ron DeSantis fights for what matters, and he wins when it matters most.”

“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.”

🚨Just in: We have two new dueling endorsements for President.
Florida Representative John Rutherford #FL04 has officially endorsed Donald Trump for President in 2024.
Florida Representative Laurel Lee has officially endorsed Governor Ron DeSantis for President in 2024. #FL15 pic.twitter.com/3xTxT3tkrW

— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) April 18, 2023

As the battle lines in Florida begin to develop between the two Republican frontrunners, others in Congress will soon have to decide who to support, particularly when DeSantis announces his candidacy. While Trump clearly has the upper hand in both endorsements and in the polls, DeSantis is likely going to be his main competitor come the debates and primaries later in early 2024.

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