TEXAS — Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, in a letter to supporters on Wednesday, preemptively endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president in 2024. DeSantis hasn’t declared, but he’s visited several states in campaign-like fashion in recent weeks. Running for president would require he step down as governor.
“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,” Roy wrote. “That leader is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis."
Former President Donald Trump topped the recent Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) straw poll for the GOP nomination by a wide margin. Trump won 62% support. DeSantis took distant second place with 20%.
“Governor DeSantis is a man of conviction – a man who puts his faith in God first as a dedicated husband and father. He loves America unapologetically but loves freedom and the rule of law even more, with the courage to fight for both,” Roy continued.
Roy’s endorsement can be read as a rejection of Trump. Roy split with Trump over his denial of the 2020 presidential election results.
“Perhaps most of all, Governor DeSantis makes clear he would lead our nation as commander in chief with the kind of resolve and sober strength that produces peace through strength,” Roy wrote.
Roy’s not alone among Texas Republicans. Despite his finish in the recent CPAC straw poll, a poll that surveyed Texas Republicans Nov. 12-13, 2022, shows a great deal more support in a hypothetical primary for DeSantis than Trump. Forty-three percent of likely voters supported DeSantis, compared to 32% for Trump.
“It’s time for Ron DeSantis to be President of the United States,” Roy concluded his email.