DeSantis’ challenges strain conservative and donor support for Trump’s top alternative.

Gov. Ron DeSantis Faces Challenges in 2024 Presidential Campaign

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) was once seen as a potential alternative to former President Donald Trump for conservatives looking ahead to the 2024 election. However, just two months into his campaign, DeSantis is encountering obstacles that could hinder his chances of securing the Republican nomination.

Recent reports suggest that DeSantis may be losing support from influential conservative figures, including the Murdoch family, who own conservative-leaning media outlets such as Fox News and the Wall Street Journal. Additionally, some donors, like billionaire Citadel CEO Ken Griffin, are still evaluating their options, raising doubts about DeSantis’s viability as a candidate.

While it remains to be seen whether these challenges are a temporary setback or a sign of trouble ahead, DeSantis must act swiftly to regain momentum. Gregg Keller, a Republican consultant, compares the GOP primary campaign to a basketball tournament, with Trump already winning one bracket and the non-Trump candidates vying for a chance to challenge him in the final.

Competitive presidential primaries are known for their unexpected twists and turns, and DeSantis’s campaign is no exception. Trump’s team, experienced from previous campaigns, is working efficiently to impede DeSantis’s progress. However, DeSantis’s campaign and supporters argue that these reports are merely attempts to smear his reputation and do not reflect the will of Republican voters.

Never Back Down, a super PAC supporting DeSantis, claims that he is the only candidate capable of blocking President Joe Biden’s reelection bid. The group highlights their extensive grassroots efforts, including knocking on over 690,000 doors and securing over 7,000 commitments from Iowans to caucus for DeSantis.

DeSantis’s campaign is targeting early nominating states, such as Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada, where a strong showing is crucial for building a narrative that he can challenge Trump for the nomination. The super PAC asserts that they are ahead of the competition and confident in their ability to carry DeSantis to victory.

Republican strategist Jason Roe believes that the first Republican National Committee debate will provide DeSantis with an opportunity to showcase his strengths compared to Trump. Roe emphasizes DeSantis’s successful governance in Florida and the victories he has achieved, including securing a Republican majority in the state legislature.

Despite negative media coverage, DeSantis remains Trump’s closest rival in the 2024 race, consistently coming in second place. His fundraising efforts have been impressive, with his campaign raising $20 million in the first six weeks and Never Back Down raising $130 million since its launch.

However, DeSantis’s struggles could potentially attract more Republicans to join the already crowded 2024 GOP field. Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia, who recently flipped the state’s governor’s mansion to Republican control, may enter the race if DeSantis fails to reverse his campaign’s trajectory.

While the road ahead may be challenging, political consultant Jessica Colon reminds us that a single moment can turn the tide in a presidential campaign. The upcoming RNC debate will be a crucial test for candidates, determining their viability and potential to redefine the race.

Ultimately, the debate performances will shape the future of the campaigns, with some candidates deciding to withdraw and others seizing the opportunity to propel their campaigns forward.

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