A former campaign adviser to former President Donald Trump has endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president in 2024.
Steve Cortes shared the endorsement in an op-ed for Newsweek, referring to DeSantis as the best option.
Former Trump campaign adviser endorses Ron DeSantis for president https://t.co/DJjbcjT1ST
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 9, 2023
"I have worked as a dedicated spokesman and advocate for Donald Trump for much of the last seven years, so I do not arrive at that conclusion flippantly," Cortes wrote.
"But our America First movement has always been bigger and more important than any one individual, and heading into this crucial election, our activism and our votes must be guided by a clear-eyed assessment of recent failures and potential future successes," he added.
Former Trump campaign adviser Steve Cortes endorses DeSantis for 2024 https://t.co/5NsjCufcdS pic.twitter.com/Xsxg7gja7N
— New York Post (@nypost) May 9, 2023
"He also cited two polls from NBC News and the Associated Press that reveal 70% of Americans do not want either the 80-year-old President Biden or the 76-year-old Trump to run again," the New York Post reported.
"Given this intense pessimism, this crisis of confidence, will a rematch of two incredibly unpopular politicians really inspire a national renewal?" Cortes asked, according to the outlet.
The news comes as Trump was found liable by a New York jury over claims of sexual assault against E. Jean Carroll from decades ago. He faces $5 million in damages in the ruling.
Despite the legal battles, Trump remains at the top of most national polls among GOP candidates, often with large leads. DeSantis has been the only challenger to poll in double digits against the former president.
DeSantis has not yet announced a run for the White House but the latest speculation claims he plans to do so later this month.
If so, the two Florida conservatives will face an epic battle to become the GOP nominee and face President Joe Biden in a bid to become the next president.
