Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is facing challenges in his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, leading his campaign to make significant cuts to his staff.[0] In an effort to streamline operations and improve DeSantis’ chances of winning the primary and defeating Joe Biden, the campaign has taken aggressive steps to reorganize.[1] Campaign manager Generra Peck stated that they have conducted a thorough review of the organization and are confident in their ability to put DeSantis in a strong position for victory.
The campaign’s decision to reduce staff comes as DeSantis struggles to gain traction with voters and faces declining poll numbers. The campaign’s digital director, Ethan Eilon, has been elevated to deputy campaign manager in an effort to revitalize the campaign.[2] However, there has been criticism of Peck’s leadership and the campaign’s heavy spending.
DeSantis’ campaign is now focused on a reset and is promising a leaner and more effective strategy moving forward.[3] The campaign plans to cut event costs and reduce unnecessary spending to prioritize campaign ads and activities in key primary states.[4] They also aim to reposition DeSantis as an insurgent underdog and appeal to a broader base of voters.
Despite the challenges, DeSantis’ campaign has seen success in fundraising, raising over $20 million since his campaign kick-off in May.[1] However, the campaign’s spending has been high, with only a small percentage of donations coming from small-dollar supporters.[5] This indicates a struggle to find consistent support from grassroots donors throughout the primary campaign.
DeSantis’ campaign has faced criticism for its messaging strategy, with his focus on pandemic-era policies as governor failing to resonate with voters.[6] The campaign acknowledges the need for adjustments and is determined to prove skeptics wrong and execute DeSantis’ vision for the Great American Comeback.[7]
The recent cuts to staff, totaling 38 jobs, have been confirmed by campaign advisors.[8] These layoffs are part of the campaign’s reset and aim to create a more efficient operation. While some aides are leaving the campaign, they will continue to support DeSantis’ broader efforts to secure the nomination.
DeSantis’ campaign faces additional challenges as he is seen as a strong challenger to former President Donald Trump for the Republican nomination. Despite his popularity in Florida, DeSantis has struggled to close the gap with Trump in national polls.[6] His positions on hot-button issues have also drawn scrutiny, potentially alienating more moderate voters.
As the campaign moves forward, DeSantis’ team is focused on regaining momentum and positioning him as a viable alternative to Trump. They remain confident in DeSantis’ ability to lead the Great American Comeback and are determined to win the primary and defeat Joe Biden.
In conclusion, Ron DeSantis’ campaign is undergoing a significant reorganization and staff cuts as they seek to improve his chances of securing the Republican nomination. Despite challenges and declining poll numbers, the campaign remains confident in DeSantis’ ability to lead and is committed to executing his vision for the country. As the campaign enters an important month, DeSantis and his team are ready to hit the ground running and prove skeptics wrong.
0. “DeSantis’ staff addresses campaign concerns at donor retreat amid strategy change: Sources” ABC News, 26 Jul. 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/desantis-staff-addresses-campaign-concerns-donor-retreat-amid/story?id=101608235
1. “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
2. “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
3. “Ron DeSantis fires more staff in a campaign shake-up” NBC News, 25 Jul. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/ron-desantis-fires-staff-campaign-shake-rcna96245
4. “DeSantis campaign shedding 38 staffers in bid to stay competitive through the fall” CBS News, 26 Jul. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/desantis-campaign-shedding-38-staffers-in-bid-to-stay-competitive-through-the-fall
5. “Ron DeSantis reboot: Florida governor cuts staff, retools strategy” Tallahassee Democrat, 25 Jul. 2023, https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/politics/2023/07/24/ron-desantis-reboot-how-florida-governor-hopes-to-overtake-trump/70459003007/
6. “DeSantis Campaign Fires a Third Of Staffers: Report” Rolling Stone, 25 Jul. 2023, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/desantis-campaign-fired-one-third-of-staffers-report-1234794884/
7. “DeSantis lays off more staffers as campaign shake-up continues: Sources” ABC News, 25 Jul. 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/desantis-lays-off-staffers-campaign-shakeup-continues-sources/story?id=101645710
8. “Fox News Anchors Joke DeSantis Might Not Make It to Next Week” Newsweek, 25 Jul. 2023, https://www.newsweek.com/fox-news-anchors-joke-desantis-might-not-make-it-next-week-1815341
