He had a good run.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, once viewed as a formidable challenger to Donald Trump in the Republican presidential primary, declared the suspension of his campaign on Sunday, opting to endorse the former president just days before the New Hampshire primary.
Using the same social media platform where he initially launched his White House bid, DeSantis delivered the announcement in a video. He cited the campaign’s second-place finish in Iowa, expressing the challenges and uncertainties ahead. Acknowledging the inability to chart a clear path to victory, DeSantis decided to halt the campaign, stating, “I can’t ask our supporters to volunteer their time and donate their resources without a clear path forward.”
DeSantis observed a prevailing sentiment among Republican primary voters in favor of giving Donald Trump another chance. This realization led him to formally endorse Trump while cautioning against returning to what he termed as the “old Republican guard of yesteryear,” exemplified by figures like Nikki Haley, whom he characterized as representing a repackaged form of outdated corporatism.
Nikki Haley responded to DeSantis’ decision from the campaign trail in New Hampshire, acknowledging his strong race and extending good wishes. With DeSantis’ exit, she noted, there are now only “one fella and one lady left” in the primary race.
The aftermath of DeSantis’ second-place finish in Iowa brought ambiguity to his campaign’s future, with conflicting signals to voters and donors. Despite initially heading to South Carolina to emphasize his commitment to stay in the race until their late-February primary, DeSantis alternated between South Carolina and New Hampshire, scheduling events with little notice.
Cancellation of Sunday-morning television appearances and an unexplained return to Florida further fueled speculation about DeSantis’ intentions. By Sunday morning, even advisers and donors were uncertain about the campaign’s direction, with rumors circulating about a potential withdrawal. The announcement took allies at the pro-DeSantis super PAC, Never Back Down, by surprise.
Hints from Trump and his allies the night before, including Trump’s mention at a rally in Manchester, suggested the likelihood of a DeSantis withdrawal. Representative Matt Gaetz, a Trump supporter with close ties to the governor, echoed this sentiment on Sunday, indicating that DeSantis might soon align himself with Trump again.
DeSantis’ decision significantly alters the landscape of the Republican primary, emphasizing Trump’s enduring influence within the party and shaping the dynamics of the remaining contenders in the race.
