Republican debate in Milwaukee features Chip Roy and Gov. Kevin Stitt as DeSantis surrogates.
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Ron DeSantis Gains Strong Support Ahead of Republican National Committee’s First Primary Debate
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) is set to receive a powerful boost from a diverse group of prominent supporters at the upcoming Republican National Committee’s primary debate. Among the impressive lineup of DeSantis surrogates making their way to Milwaukee to rally behind the Florida governor are Reps. Chip Roy (R-TX), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Rich McCormick (R-GA), Gov. Kevin Stitt (R-OK), and Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez.
Can the Debates Help Winnow the GOP Field?
When asked about his goals for attending the debate in support of DeSantis, Roy succinctly stated, “Win.” The debate will be broadcasted by Fox News, and DeSantis’s campaign has arranged for both Roy and Stitt to participate in the network’s post-debate “spin room.”
Several other influential figures are converging on the city as part of the DeSantis campaign’s efforts to bolster its surrogate operation. The campaign has been diligently working with surrogates and media outlets to secure appearances for various spokespeople, including endorsers, campaign advisers, contributors, and staff.
This surge in activity comes as DeSantis himself has significantly increased his media presence, engaging in nearly 70 interviews, press conferences, and gaggles since July 18. This heightened media operation was initiated by his notable CNN interview with Jake Tapper, which marked a departure from his initial media strategy.
Furthermore, numerous state lawmakers from Florida, Iowa, and South Carolina will be present at the Fiserv Forum arena to show their support for DeSantis’s 2024 campaign. Notable attendees include Florida state Sens. Jay Collins and Blaise Ingoglia, as well as state Rep. Kiyan Michael, who tragically lost a child to an illegal immigrant. Iowa state Sens. Jesse Green, Dan Zumbach, Adrian Dickey, and Jeff Reichman, who recently switched his endorsement from former President Donald Trump to DeSantis, will also be in attendance. Additionally, Iowa House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl and State Rep. Matt Rinker, along with South Carolina state Reps. Travis Moore and Micah Caskey and state Sen. Josh Kimbrell, are making their way to Wisconsin for the debate.
Reichman’s change of endorsement occurred after Trump publicly feuded with Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA), prompting Reichman to express his admiration for DeSantis in an op-ed, stating, “Governor Reynolds has done an outstanding job in Iowa, and former President Trump should be supportive of successful fellow Republicans.” He further emphasized the qualities he sees in DeSantis that he admires in Gov. Reynolds. DeSantis has maintained a positive relationship with the Iowa governor, setting himself apart from Trump, who has taken credit for her election.
Joining the ranks of DeSantis’s surrogates at the debate are former Trump officials, including Christian Whiton, a former senior adviser in the Trump and George W. Bush administrations, and Alex Gray, a former special assistant to Trump and chief of staff at the National Security Council. Additionally, former Florida Sen. George LeMieux and former Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva, who recently joined the DeSantis campaign as a senior adviser, will be present to support the Florida governor.
Notable donors attending the debate on DeSantis’s behalf include Hal Lambert, founder and CEO of Point Bridge Capital, and Pete Synder, founder and CEO of Disruptor Capital. CEOs from Canary, LLC and Digibuild will also be making their way to Milwaukee.
Despite former President Trump’s absence from the debate, prominent surrogates for Trump are also descending on the city. However, a reported memo from Fox News has limited access to the crucial media “spin room” to aides of participating candidates. Others will only be granted entry if they are guests of media organizations, making it more challenging for Trump supporters like Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Mike Waltz (R-FL), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), and former Republican gubernatorial candidate in Arizona Kari Lake to gain access to the media center.
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