Gov. Ron DeSantis will no longer be traveling to South Carolina for two campaign stops on Monday due to the approaching Tropical Storm Idalia and will instead send his wife, Casey DeSantis, to Rep. Jeff Duncan’s (R-SC) Faith and Freedom BBQ.
The Florida governor was originally slated to campaign in the morning in the Palmetto State before attending the barbecue as the featured speaker. However, domestic duties have forced him to change those plans, canceling a campaign stop in Kershaw and sending Florida first lady Casey DeSantis to Duncan’s event in his stead.
REPUBLICANS SUDDENLY FACE MESSY PRIMARIES AHEAD OF 2024 BID TO RETAKE SENATE
“In light of the approaching hurricane, the Governor will be staying in Florida on Monday to assist with preparations,” DeSantis press secretary Bryan Griffin wrote on social media Sunday. “First Lady Casey DeSantis will be attending Congressman Jeff Duncan’s Faith and Freedom BBQ in place of the Governor.”
DeSantis outlined his state’s preparations for Tropical Storm Idalia on Sunday, warning Floridians of the threat the storm, which is expected to become a hurricane by Tuesday, poses. In addition to the natural disaster threat, the Republican presidential hopeful is dealing with the aftermath of a racist mass shooting in Jacksonville on Saturday.
DeSantis’s changed plans represent the difficulties for a sitting governor seeking the Oval Office, campaigning for the higher office while still managing responsibilities at home. In DeSantis’s case in particular, his souring poll numbers demand an increasing effort on the campaign trail.
The governor was asked at his Sunday news conference whether he would be in Florida this week. “I’m here. I’m here,” he responded, per ABC News.
“We’re locked in on this; we’re going to get the job done. This is important. So people can rest assured,” DeSantis added.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
DeSantis stated on Sunday that the storm is expected to make landfall sometime on Wednesday and could potentially arrive in the state as strong as a Category 2 hurricane. The Florida governor’s press conference was held only a day after he announced on social media he had signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency for 33 counties.
The Florida governor remains in a distant second place to former President Donald Trump in polling for the GOP nomination for president, with no signs of the tide turning.
