Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis has made headlines recently with the announcement that his campaign raised $20 million in the first six weeks after he announced his run for president. While this amount falls short of former President Donald Trump’s $35 million haul during the same period, it is still a significant sum considering the shorter runway for DeSantis’ campaign.[0] The funds will undoubtedly provide DeSantis with substantial resources to support his bid for the presidency.[1]
One key aspect of DeSantis’ fundraising efforts is the support he has received from a super PAC called Never Back Down. This PAC has reported raising an impressive $130 million since its launch in March, with the majority of that sum coming from a state political committee tied to DeSantis’ 2022 reelection campaign in Florida.[2] The PAC’s fundraising details are expected to be disclosed later this month. The substantial financial support from Never Back Down will undoubtedly bolster DeSantis’ campaign and help him compete against other candidates in the race.
However, despite the significant fundraising numbers, there are concerns about DeSantis’ ability to gain traction against Trump. Some donors are worried that polls indicate DeSantis faces an uphill battle to overtake Trump, and they are also concerned about the significant lead Trump has in terms of Republican congressional endorsements. DeSantis’ previous experience as a representative in Florida’s House and his current role as governor of Florida may not be enough to sway voters who are still strongly aligned with Trump.
In addition to the fundraising news, there have been some significant staff changes within DeSantis’ campaign. Two senior advisers have departed to work with an outside group that aims to boost support for DeSantis. This move comes as DeSantis seeks to overcome challenges and gain momentum in his campaign. The departure of these key staffers, along with the firing of approximately a dozen campaign employees, suggests that DeSantis is reshuffling his team and making changes to his big-money political operations.
Despite these challenges, DeSantis remains determined and confident in his campaign’s ability to succeed. His campaign spokesman, Andrew Romeo, emphasized that the fundraising numbers are evidence of the growing support for DeSantis and his vision to reverse Biden’s failures and restore sanity to the nation. Romeo also highlighted DeSantis’ upcoming appearances at events with various organizations, indicating that the campaign is taking a proactive approach to engage with voters and build momentum.
Looking ahead, DeSantis will need to continue mobilizing his base and reaching out to voters to gain ground against Trump. While the fundraising numbers are promising, DeSantis will need to demonstrate his ability to connect with voters on a personal level and present a compelling vision for the future. The upcoming debates and campaign events will be crucial opportunities for DeSantis to make his case to the American people and solidify his position as a serious contender for the Republican nomination.
In conclusion, Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign has reported significant fundraising success, raising $20 million in the first six weeks after his announcement. This amount, combined with the support of the Never Back Down super PAC, provides DeSantis with substantial resources for his campaign. However, challenges remain, including the need to gain traction against Trump and secure more endorsements. DeSantis’ campaign is undergoing staff changes and is focused on engaging with voters through events and appearances. The upcoming months will be critical for DeSantis as he seeks to position himself as a top contender in the Republican primary.
0. “2nd quarter presidential fundraising highlights: Trump brings in more than DeSantis” ABC News, 14 Jul. 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/presidential-fundraising-highlights-trump-brings-desantis/story?id=100966898
1. “Deep-pocketed donors give fresh attention to Tim Scott’s long-shot presidential bid” CNN, 13 Jul. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/13/politics/tim-scott-donors/index.html
2. “DeSantis campaign spent $1.5 million a week, entered July with $12 million on hand” Brunswick News, 15 Jul. 2023, https://thebrunswicknews.com/news/national_news/desantis-campaign-spent-1-5-million-a-week-entered-july-with-12-million-on-hand/article_d143bac5-15be-5a4f-aeef-0ef785e2f1c9.html
