Former Trump Administration Official Launches PAC Urging DeSantis to Enter 2024 Race

Ken Cuccinelli on Wednesday became the latest Trump administration official to suggest it’s time for the GOP to move on from his former boss.

Cuccinelli, who previously served as the acting deputy secretary of Homeland Security, announced the launch of the Never Back Down PAC to urge Florida governor Ron DeSantis to run for president in 2024.

“I have been speaking to many grassroots conservative activists around the country who are very enthusiastic for Governor DeSantis to run for President in 2024,” Cuccinelli said in a statement announcing the launch. “The energy is there, grassroots conservatives see the Governor as a leader and a fighter with a winning conservative track record who will lead the Republican Party to victory in 2024. Based on those conversations, I am most confident that we will build an unmatched grassroots political army for Governor DeSantis to help carry him to the White House.”

Cuccinelli said DeSantis has “made Florida the number one destination for all Americans looking for a brighter future and a better life, with more freedom and opportunity than anywhere else in America.”

Republican strategist Chris Jankowski will serve as the PAC’s executive director.

“America’s future is Ron DeSantis. Ron DeSantis doesn’t just talk he acts, but most of all he never backs down. Governor DeSantis, today I’m asking you to run for President. You’ve had our back now we will have yours,” Cuccinelli said in a video announcing the launch of the PAC.

He adds: “Governor DeSantis has a proven record defending our borders, defending our kids, defending parental rights, defending the unborn, defending small business, and he’ll defend America.” 

While DeSantis has not yet said whether he plans to enter the 2024 race, he is largely seen as former president Trump’s most formidable opponent. The governor is likely to wait out Florida’s legislative session, which ends in May, before he potentially jumps into the race.

Former president Donald Trump, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy are the only Republicans who have formally entered the race so far.

For his part, DeSantis kicked off a book tour last week that will allow him to crisscross the country to fortify his already-bright national star power. He also attended Club for Growth’s annual donor retreat last week with other potential 2024 hopefuls.

Last month, he hosted a “Freedom Blueprint” retreat with more than 150 donors, elected officials, and conservative influencers, including Senators Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) and Ron Johnson (R., Wis.), former Trump chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, Representative Chip Roy (R., Texas), and Texas-based donor Roy Bailey, a former member of Trump’s national finance committee.

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