Buchanan, Steube join growing list of Florida Republicans backing Trump over DeSantis

The leader of Florida’s congressional delegation has announced his endorsement of former President Donald Trump, dealing another blow to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ expected presidential run.

On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, joined a growing list of Florida Republicans who have decided to back Trump over the second-term governor of Florida. DeSantis and Trump could compete for conservative support in the 2024 Republican Primary Election.

“If we want to get our economy back on track, Donald Trump is just the guy to get it done. From lowering taxes to protecting our borders to promoting America-first trade deals, Presidential Trump has done it before and will do it again,” Buchanan said in a statement provided to the Bradenton Herald.

Trump previously endorsed Buchanan in the Republican primary election last summer. The former president also invited Buchanan to join him for dinner at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday.

In a post to Truth Social, Trump bragged about his recent endorsements.

“Our support is almost universal in Florida and throughout the USA,” Trump wrote. “They remember fondly all of the incredible things I did while in office, one of the most successful Administrations in History.”

Florida Republicans choose Trump

On Monday, U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, also announced his endorsement of Trump, who recently launched 2024 presidential run.

“Today I continue my unwavering support for the America First movement by endorsing the leader of our party, President Donald Trump for re-election to President of the United States,” Steube said. “President Trump’s first term was full of extraordinary accomplishments. Floridians need him back in the White House to finish the job.”

Other Florida Republicans have backed Trump, The Hill reports. U.S. Reps. John Rutherford, Anna Paulina Luna, Cory Mills, Matt Gaetz and Byron Donalds have already announced their endorsements.

DeSantis, who has recently toured other states, is expected to launch his 2024 bid for the White House soon.

A recent poll has DeSantis leading Trump and President Joe Biden in two swing states, Arizona and Pennsylvania.