Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced his support for Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) on Saturday despite his former boss Donald Trump’s disapproval.
DeSantis will be facing off against Democratic candidate and former Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday for the governor’s seat in Florida, yet many have speculated the popular incumbent could do well as a presidential candidate. Trump bragged that over 70% of Republicans surveyed in a Rasmussen poll in September wanted him to be president again, while only 10% supported DeSantis, who he has dubbed “DeSanctimonious.” The former president’s recent jabs at DeSantis did not dissuade Pompeo from throwing in his support.
“Not tired of winning. [DeSantis,] you’ve proven conservative policies work. Florida is better for it. Vote for [DeSantis],” Pompeo tweeted.
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Pompeo’s endorsement the weekend before the midterm elections also comes after Trump said during a phone interview last month that “it would be very disloyal” if any of his former Cabinet members ran against him for president in 2024. Both Pompeo and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley have teased their own presidential bids.
DeSantis has raised $177.4 million for his reelection campaign as of Sept. 9, the newest record for a gubernatorial campaign without adjusting for inflation, according to Open Secrets. The organization also analyzed the fundraising efforts of the top 20 presidential contenders at the time, finding that DeSantis has raised more money since January 2021 than Trump or President Joe Biden.
