Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis will not be among the Republican presidential candidates who would run against Former President Donald Trump in 2024 if he chooses to run again for president, according to the Washington Examiner.
DeSantis was ahead of Trump in the Western Conservative Summit's presidential straw poll. Meadows, who spoke with the Washington Examiner just before the poll's release, said he believes DeSantis is focused on winning reelection as Florida's governor.
"Gov. DeSantis has made it very, very clear that he is running for reelection as governor of Florida, but he doesn't shy away from being very bold in terms of the initiatives that he's been putting forth. His reelect for governor is a platform to show that the policies, and the boldness, and, quite frankly, the courage," Meadows told the Washington Examiner.
DeSantis, a popular governor in Florida who appeals to conservative voters, had a solid relationship with Trump while he was president but he is focused on Florida. "Gov. DeSantis won't even – he's asked over and over and over again every time I'm in his presence – he's been asked, 'Are you running in 2024?' His answer has been consistent: He is running for reelection for governor of the state that not only he loves, but one that is, quite frankly, well run because of his leadership," said Meadows.
While Trump has scheduled post-White House rallies and is working to reach out people who have supported him, he is aware that DeSantis is popular among conservatives and has suggested that the governor could make a good running mate if he chooses to run for president.
DeSantis has shown signs that he might be interested in running for president. He has gained some attention for large donors who could support a presidential campaign and has appeared at major Republican events.
But for now DeSantis will focus on Florida. He has up for reelection in 2022 and could face some anger from Florida voters if they believe his main goal is to be president. DeSantis has said his main focus is on Florida and the upcoming election, according USA Today.
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