DeSantis Endorsed by Charlie Crist’s Ex-Chief of Staff, Other Former Aides

Florida governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday was endorsed by George LeMieux,  his Democratic opponent Charlie Crist’s ex-chief of staff and appointee to the United States Senate, among other former associates.

Also among the signatories to the endorsement letter was Jeff Kottkamp, who served as Crist’s lieutenant governor when Crist occupied the governor’s mansion from 2007 to 2011.

“The undersigned represent former colleagues and staff of Charlie Crist. Together, we have known Charlie in virtually all phases of his career and public life,” begins the letter. “The choice this November could not be more clear: we unanimously endorse Governor Ron DeSantis for re-election.”

“Governor DeSantis has delivered for Florida. He has led our state with courage and conviction… We stand with Governor DeSantis because the stakes are too high,” wrote Crist’s former allies.

Crist’s terms in state office came while he was a member of the GOP, but he switched parties in 2012 after first trailing Marco Rubio in the Republican Senate primary in 2012 and then falling short in an independent run for the same seat. He was Democrats’ nominee for governor in 2014, but lost to Republican Rick Scott. He later secured a seat in the House of Representatives.

LeMieux served as chief of staff to Crist during his time as Florida’s attorney general and governor, as well to Crist’s successful 2006 gubernatorial campaign. He was appointed to the Senate by Crist in 2009 to replace Democrat Mel Martinez upon his resignation. LeMieux served in the upper chamber until 2011.

DeSantis is seen as a contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024 as a result of his less heavy-handed response to the Covid-19 pandemic and engagement on cultural issues. He leads Crist by 10 points in the RealClearPolitics polling average. In 2018, DeSantis narrowly prevailed over Democrat Andrew Gillum despite trailing him by over three points in the final RCP average.

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