Former President Donald Trump has secured an endorsement from a Republican who had previously met with Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL).
Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX) surprised many by throwing his weight behind Trump, having just met with DeSantis, a likely 2024 presidential candidate. While Gooden acknowledged having a “positive” meeting with DeSantis, he cited Trump’s conservative record as the reason behind his decision.
TRUMP CLINCHES ANOTHER KEY ENDORSEMENT AS FLORIDA DEFECTIONS AGAINST DESANTIS PILE UP
“I met with Governor DeSantis, and while he has done commendable work in Florida, there is no doubt in my mind that President Trump is the only leader who can save America from the leftist onslaught we are currently facing,” Gooden said in a statement posted on Twitter.
“President Trump is a tireless fighter, a champion of American jobs, a guardian of our economy, and a bulwark against the relentless invasion of our borders by illegal immigrants. He unyieldingly supported our military and veterans, and bravely stood up to the dangerous socialist agenda propagated by the radical left,” he continued. “I wholeheartedly endorse President Donald J. Trump for the 2024 presidential election and vow to fight alongside him to reclaim our country from the leftist forces that threaten to destroy it. Together, we will ensure a prosperous and secure future for our great nation.”
Today, after careful consideration and a positive meeting with Governor DeSantis, I have decided to endorse President @realDonaldTrump for 2024.
I look forward to fighting alongside him to reclaim our country from the leftist forces trying to destroy it. pic.twitter.com/WqMNKxv6hV
— Lance Gooden (@Lancegooden) April 18, 2023
While the loss of Gooden serves as a loss for team DeSantis, he scored an endorsement from Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL).
“As Ron DeSantis’s Secretary of State, I had the honor of witnessing firsthand his unparalleled leadership under pressure, his character, and his commitment to core conservative principles,” she wrote in a statement on Twitter. “His leadership and his vision made Florida a shining beacon of freedom. Ron DeSantis fights for what matters, and he wins when it matters most.”
“Our country is in crisis, and it is time Americans learn what Floridians already know: Ron DeSantis’s conservative principles, proven track record, and his commitment to our country are exactly what we need in a leader. It was my honor to serve in his administration and it is my honor today to endorse him for President of the United States,” Lee added.
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Lee pitching for DeSantis marks his first congressional endorsement from his state, compared to a plethora of Republican Floridians backing Trump, including Reps. Cory Mills, Anna Paulina Luna, Byron Donalds, Matt Gaetz, John Rutherford, Greg Steube, and Brian Mast.
Outside of Florida, DeSantis has won the endorsement of just two other representatives and no senators.
