Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s presidential campaign is facing major setbacks as it struggles with low poll numbers and financial concerns. Recent reports reveal that DeSantis has cut about a third of his campaign staff in an effort to streamline operations and regain momentum in the race for the Republican nomination.[0] The campaign’s communications director, Generra Peck, stated that these aggressive steps were taken to put DeSantis in the strongest position to win the primary and defeat Joe Biden.
The decision to reduce staff comes after a top-to-bottom review of the campaign organization. The goal is to create a leaner and more efficient operation that can effectively support DeSantis’s bid for the White House. The campaign manager, Peck, emphasized that Governor DeSantis is ready to lead the Great American Comeback and is prepared to hit the ground running as the campaign enters an important month.[1]
DeSantis’s campaign has faced numerous challenges in recent months. Despite being seen as a viable alternative to former President Donald Trump, DeSantis has struggled to gain traction in national polls. His campaign has also faced criticism for its messaging strategy, with attempts to differentiate DeSantis from Trump by emphasizing his pandemic-era policies falling flat among GOP voters who are no longer motivated by Covid politics.
In an attempt to turn the tide, the campaign has made several high-level staffing changes.[2] Ethan Eilon, the digital director, has been elevated to the position of deputy campaign manager.[3] This move is seen as a way to control spending and bring fresh energy to the campaign. Additionally, Cody Hall, a top political adviser to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, has been added as a senior communications advisor.[2]
Despite the challenges, DeSantis’s campaign remains confident in its ability to bounce back. Spokesperson Andrew Romeo stated that no matter how much the media and D.C. elites try to undermine DeSantis, the race for the nomination is still a two-man race.[4] The campaign is determined to execute on DeSantis’s vision for the Great American Comeback and believes that his momentum will only continue to grow as voters see more of him in person.
However, critics argue that DeSantis’s campaign may be lacking the charisma and appeal necessary to win over voters.[5] The decision to cut staff and focus on a leaner operation could be seen as an admission that DeSantis is struggling to compete with frontrunner Donald Trump. The comparisons to former Florida Governor Jeb Bush’s failed presidential campaign in 2016 further highlight the challenges DeSantis faces in the crowded Republican field.
As the campaign moves forward, DeSantis’s team will continue to evaluate its direction and make necessary changes.[6] The focus will be on efficiency and effectiveness in order to regain momentum in the race. Despite the setbacks, DeSantis’s supporters and donors remain committed to his campaign and believe in the potential for an insurgent comeback.
In conclusion, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s presidential campaign is facing significant challenges as it grapples with low poll numbers and financial concerns. The campaign has made aggressive moves to streamline operations and put DeSantis in the best possible position to win the Republican primary and defeat Joe Biden. However, the road ahead remains challenging, and DeSantis will need to overcome these obstacles in order to achieve his goal of leading the Great American Comeback.
0. “Ron DeSantis slashes staff by a third as Republican presidential campaign sputters” New York Daily News, 25 Jul. 2023, https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/us-elections-government/ny-desantis-campaign-slashes-staff-by-a-third-as-presidential-bid-sputters-20230725-r53h3g7a7va2xcjftsxavt66n4-story.html
1. “Ron DeSantis slashes more than a third of staff as campaign flounders” The Guardian US, 25 Jul. 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/25/ron-desantis-president-campaign-staff-cuts
2. “DeSantis lets go of more than a third of campaign staff as reset continues” POLITICO, 25 Jul. 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/07/25/desantis-lets-go-of-more-than-1-3-of-campaign-staff-as-reset-continues-00108046
3. “2024 Presidential Race: DeSantis to Shake Up Campaign Staff as He Trails Trump” Bloomberg, 24 Jul. 2023, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-24/2024-presidential-race-desantis-to-shake-up-campaign-staff-as-he-trails-trump
4. “Analysis | In new state polling, Ron DeSantis falls back into the 2024 pack” The Washington Post, 24 Jul. 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/24/desantis-poll-drop-2024/
5. “Ron DeSantis’ rebooted campaign is already doomed to fail” MSNBC, 24 Jul. 2023, https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/ron-desantis-2024-campaign-reboot-rcna95576
6. “Ron DeSantis has already blown 40 per cent of his campaign donations” The Independent, 24 Jul. 2023, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ron-desantis-donations-campaign-reset-b2381087.html
