WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican presidential contender Ron DeSantis is cutting a larger number of campaign staff than previously believed in an effort to revive his struggling campaign amidst unexpected financial challenges.
DeSantis, widely regarded as former President Donald Trump’s main competitor in the GOP’s 2024 primary race, has let go of a third of his campaign staff, totaling 38 individuals, according to anonymous campaign aides. The campaign had initially announced the dismissal of “less than 10” employees earlier in the month. Additionally, recent federal filings indicated that his campaign was depleting funds at an unsustainable rate even before embarking on a significant paid advertising campaign.
“After conducting a comprehensive review of our organization, we have taken further and decisive actions to streamline operations and position Ron DeSantis for a strong victory in the primary and against Joe Biden,” said DeSantis’ campaign manager, Generra Peck, in a statement. “DeSantis is poised to lead the Great American Comeback, and we are prepared to hit the ground running as we enter a critical phase of the campaign.”
The revelations about the staff reductions emerged on the same day that DeSantis was involved in a multi-car accident during a fundraising tour on a Tennessee highway. According to his campaign and law enforcement, the Florida governor escaped unharmed, while a female staff member sustained minor injuries.
These latest developments highlight a significant setback for a presidential candidate who entered the Republican primary this spring with high expectations, as Republican primary voters demonstrated a willingness to move on from Trump. However, two months later, the 44-year-old DeSantis finds himself trailing far behind in most polls, with GOP operatives and donors questioning his readiness for the national stage.
Trump’s allies promptly celebrated the news of DeSantis’ campaign struggles on social media.
“TURMOIL IN TALLAHASSEE,” tweeted the Trump campaign.
In spite of this, with the primary season six months away, DeSantis still has time to recover, especially as Trump’s allies brace themselves for the possibility of a third criminal indictment.
For months now, DeSantis’ team has quietly expressed confidence that voters would eventually grow weary of Trump’s mounting legal issues and personal baggage. However, these same issues, playing out in the U.S. legal system just as the GOP primary intensifies, have left little room for DeSantis and his rivals to make significant headway. Additionally, Trump’s support among Republican primary voters appears to be strengthening with each new legal challenge he faces.
Nevertheless, DeSantis’ team has managed to raise an impressive $150 million for his presidential aspirations thus far. The bulk of this amount, $130 million, has been allocated to a super PAC operated by allies who are prohibited from coordinating with the campaign.
In the first six weeks of his candidacy, the DeSantis campaign itself raised over $20 million. However, federal filings released over the weekend revealed that he and his team spent over $8 million on various expenses, including more than 100 paid staffers, an extensive security detail, and luxury travel.
Politico first reported on the recent staff cuts.
___
Peoples reported from New York.