DeSantis Super PAC Chief Strategist Has Stepped Down

(USNewsBreak.com) – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) is currently seeking the Republican primary nomination for the 2024 presidential election. When he’s not on the debate stage or running the Sunshine State, he’s focusing on his campaign efforts. However, his campaign has largely struggled since its inception. But it’s not just his campaign that’s experiencing trouble. The leading super PAC supporting him has undergone significant changes, and they’re seemingly not over yet.

Never Back Down is the super PAC behind DeSantis’ bid for the White House. Over the last few weeks, it’s gone through a number of shake-ups. When Scott Wagner, the new chairman, took over, he fired many top officials. First, he fired Kristin Davison, who replaced Chris Jankowski as the CEO. Then, he terminated Matt Palmisano, the operations director, and Erin Perrine, the communications director.

Jeff Roe, main strategist for DeSantis super PAC, resigns https://t.co/akMpBG5p3C

— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 17, 2023

Now, chief strategist Jeff Roe is also out. Roe resigned following an article in the Washington Post that showcased Wagner criticizing former employees. According to CBS News, the strategist insisted the comments made “are not true and [are] an unwanted distraction at a critical time,” and he could not “in good conscience stay affiliated with” the PAC because of it. Phil Cox, a Republican strategist, longtime adviser, and ally to DeSantis, has stepped in to fill Roe’s shoes in the weeks leading up to the Iowa caucus.

Former President Donald Trump was quick to respond. In a post on Truth Social, his social media platform, Trump indicated that Roe’s departure meant “GAME OVER” for the Florida leader.

Currently, DeSantis is lagging far behind Trump in the polls. As of December 19, the former president had a 50.7% lead, according to FiveThirtyEight. Nikki Haley is lagging slightly behind DeSantis’ 12.0% with 10.9%. Her campaign saw a recent boost in the last few weeks. Only time will tell whether the shake-ups in the PAC will positively affect the Florida governor’s numbers.