GOP Megadonor Withdraws Support for DeSantis’ Presidential Campaign

A Major GOP⁣ Donor and Billionaire Holds Back Support for Republican Candidates in 2024 Primary

A major GOP donor and multi-billionaire indicated ⁣Monday that he hasn’t made⁤ any donations and isn’t supporting‍ any of the‍ Republican candidates during the 2024 primary season.

“I’m still on the sidelines as to who to support in this election ‌cycle,”‌ said Ken Griffin, the CEO of investment firm Citadel ⁢and worth about⁢ $35 billion.

Griffin expressed his desire for ⁢a younger, more dynamic Republican candidate in the primary, as well as a younger Democratic candidate with a fresh message ​for the country.

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Previously, Griffin had shown support ​for⁣ Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, but he has ⁤become critical of DeSantis’s 2024 presidential bid and his conflict with Disney. Griffin questioned ⁢DeSantis’s strategy and the voter base he aims to appeal to.

In ‍recent polls, DeSantis ⁢has struggled to ‍gain momentum⁢ against former ⁣President Donald​ Trump, with the‍ former ‌president polling at 62 percent compared to DeSantis’s 12 percent.

Griffin also criticized DeSantis’s legal battles with⁤ Disney over a law restricting teaching on sexual orientation and gender. Disney sued Florida ⁤after the state ‌revoked the company’s self-governing⁤ status in⁤ Disney World.

Over the years, Griffin‍ has donated tens of millions of​ dollars to various candidates, mostly Republicans. He emphasized that he evaluates candidates based on their policies regarding individual rights, economic prosperity, education, community safety, and national defense.

While Griffin​ has ⁢not publicly expressed support for other GOP candidates, he⁤ has openly expressed his disapproval of ⁢President Trump. DeSantis has not responded to Griffin’s ‌comments.

Griffin’s remarks ⁣add to ⁣the challenges faced by DeSantis, as ‌Politico⁤ reported that many major donors who supported him in his 2022 reelection⁣ campaign have withdrawn‌ their support.

Despite this, ⁢DeSantis’s campaign spokesperson remains optimistic, citing ‍strong fundraising⁤ and ​momentum​ from his debate performance.

Hotel magnate Robert Bigelow, the largest individual contributor to DeSantis’s Never Back Down political action committee, has ⁤also voiced ⁢concerns about the governor’s ‍campaign, urging him to appeal to moderates and​ accusing ⁣him of fostering extremism.

Griffin’s fellow billionaire donor, Bigelow, has also expressed reservations about continuing financial support for ‍DeSantis.

What‍ factors does Ken‌ Griffin consider when deciding which candidate to⁢ support in the 2024 primary season?

Dates Speak‍ at ⁤Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition Town Hall – 9/15/2023

As one of the‌ wealthiest individuals in ⁤the United ⁣States, Ken Griffin’s lack of support for Republican candidates in the upcoming 2024 ‌primary season is making waves within the GOP. Griffin, CEO of ‌Citadel, a renowned investment firm, expressed⁢ his reservations‌ about the current crop of candidates vying for the⁤ Republican nomination. ‌With⁢ a net worth of around ‌$35 billion, Griffin’s opinions⁢ and potential financial contributions hold considerable weight in ​political circles.

In a statement given on Monday, Griffin stated, “I’m still on the sidelines ‌as‍ to who to support in this election cycle.” This declaration has ‌raised ⁣eyebrows ⁢and provoked⁣ speculation about his intentions in the⁤ upcoming primary. With candidates already ramping up their campaigns and courting donors,⁣ Griffin’s hesitance ⁤sends a strong signal that he‌ is ‍not easily ‌won over and will require‍ a convincing candidate to earn his ‌support.

One⁣ of the main factors influencing Griffin’s decision ⁤is his desire for a‌ younger and more dynamic​ Republican candidate. He believes that the party ‍needs‌ fresh ideas and​ energetic leadership to resonate with the American⁣ electorate. Griffin’s inclination toward a younger candidate suggests a ​desire for a⁤ departure from the traditional mold of Republican politicians. This could potentially revitalize the party and attract a broader base‌ of ⁤support.

Notably, Griffin’s ⁣desire for younger⁤ leadership is⁤ not limited ‌to the ‌Republican side of the ⁣aisle. He also expressed a wish for a young Democratic candidate with‍ a fresh message for the country. This bipartisan ​sentiment further highlights his⁤ dissatisfaction with the current⁣ political landscape and the⁢ need for change.

This hesitance​ from such a prominent Republican donor puts⁤ pressure on the candidates running in⁢ the‍ 2024 primary season. They must recognize‍ Griffin’s concerns and address them effectively if they hope to ‌gain his support. While financial contributions alone do not determine the outcome of ⁣an election, they can ​greatly impact a candidate’s ability to run a successful campaign and reach⁢ a wider audience.

Griffin’s reluctance to align himself with any particular candidate also presents an opportunity for those running. ‌It allows them to make their case and present themselves ‍as the fresh‍ and dynamic leader Griffin is seeking.⁣ By addressing his concerns and outlining their vision for the future, candidates‍ have the opportunity to win over one of the most influential donors within the Republican Party.

As the GOP​ primary season unfolds, it will be interesting to see if any⁤ candidate manages to catch⁤ Ken‌ Griffin’s attention and secure his​ support. His hesitation to back any candidate underscores the need for change and innovation within the‌ Republican Party.‌ Ultimately, the candidate who successfully addresses Griffin’s concerns may possess⁤ the qualities necessary to lead the party to victory in the 2024 general election.

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