Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is picking up an endorsement for president — despite not officially running.
In an email on Wednesday, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) wrote, “The next President of the United States must be a vibrant and energetic leader with the faith, vision, and courage to chart a new course. America needs a leader who will truly defend her and empower the people against the destructive force of unrestrained government and corporate excess, profligate spending, and woke cultural indoctrination.”
“That leader is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis,” he continued, adding, “Governor DeSantis is a man of conviction — a man who puts his faith in God first as a dedicated husband and father.”
Roy also noted DeSantis “loves America unapologetically” but said he “loves freedom and the rule of law even more” and has the “courage to fight for both.”
Check out the statement below:
Full email: pic.twitter.com/bD7L38GTML
— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) March 15, 2023
The Texas congressman said DeSantis “made Florida stronger and freer,” “stared down woke corporate American and higher education,” and “stood with Texas in defense of our border.”
Additionally, he praised the governor for trying to “unite us again as one people under the banner of freedom and equal opportunity — with the courage to stand athwart the destructive divisiveness of identity politics or the temptation to pander.”
In an apparent reference to disappointing election results in 2020 and 2018 for Republicans, Roy said, “[DeSantis] also has a proven ability to win at the ballot box time and time again.”
“When other Republicans were faltering in key races, Governor DeSantis provided a positive vision for the future with prudent, conservative action,” he added.
Finally, Roy said, “When Republicans choose our 2024 presidential nominee — whom I intend to support against Joe Biden or any other Democratic candidate — I believe it’s time for a new generation of leadership.”
“It’s time for younger, but proven, leadership to offer America eight solid years of transformational change,” he added.
DeSantis has not officially shared whether he will run for president.
However, he has reportedly privately signaled he would announce a campaign after Florida’s legislative session ends in May.
Polls appear to show he could be former President Donald Trump’s most formidable opponent.
A CNN poll conducted Mar. 8-12 found 40% of respondents said they would most likely support Trump in the primary, while 36% said the same of DeSantis.
No other candidate in the poll received double-digit support.