DeSantis Locks in Second Congressional GOP Endorsement

On Wednesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R.) received another endorsement for presidency from a member of Congress, despite not having officially announced his candidacy yet.

Representative Thomas Massie (R., Ky.) became the second Republican House member to endorse DeSantis, stating that he is a “proven energetic leader,” according to a statement released by the pro-DeSantis Never Back Down PAC.

“America requires a leader who is decisive, respects the Constitution, understands policy, puts family first, and leads by inspiring,” Massie said. “That’s why I’m endorsing Ron DeSantis for President.”

Massie’s endorsement follows that of Representative Chip Roy (R., Texas), who endorsed the governor last month. Meanwhile, Representative Ralph Norman (R., S.C.) expressed support for former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley in February.

These endorsements are in contrast to other House Republicans who are rallying behind former President Donald Trump, despite his recent arrest in New York City on charges of falsifying business records surrounding hush money payments. At least 36 House members have expressed their support for Trump’s 2024 bid.

Recent polling shows that Trump’s legal problems have hardly affected his popularity among Republican primary voters. In a recent Fox News poll, Trump received 54 percent of likely primary voters, while DeSantis trailed with 24 percent. However, a February poll conducted by Monmouth University had DeSantis leading Trump 53 to 40.