With Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis out of the race, the Republican Party of Florida had an easier decision to make for its 2024 presidential endorsement. On Saturday, party leaders went with former President Donald Trump.
The party announced its decision to opt for Trump over challenger Nikki Haley on X, during a statewide party gathering in Wesley Chapel.
“Florida stands with President @realDonaldTrump!” its post on X said. “Today, the Florida GOP proudly endorsed Trump for President. It is time Republicans come together to DEFEAT [President Joe] Biden and save the future of our nation.”
Some on X responded with criticism. They argued the RPOF should not have said anything before the state’s upcoming GOP primary.
Florida votes on March 19.
Yet the move came after Trump notched his fourth big win in a primary. He took the Nevada caucuses last week with roughly 60,000 votes. That amount nearly doubled the previous record for a GOP candidate in a Nevada presidential primary, which was set by Trump in 2016.
Trump’s dominance in Nevada was also evident by the fact that GOP voters there selected the “None” option by a 2-1 ratio over Haley.
The Epoch Times pointed out that Trump also set records in winning in Iowa and New Hampshire. He also won the caucus in the Virgin Islands last week.
Read: New York Rep. Claudia Tenney Demands AG Garland Remove Biden Under 25th Amendment
The next state in the march to the nomination is Haley’s home turf of South Carolina on Feb. 24.
According to FiveThirtyEight.com’s average of all polls, Trump led Haley in South Carolina by a 65-32 margin as of Saturday.
The Times noted that Florida state Rep. Dean Black, chairman of the Duval County Republican Party, made the motion to endorse Trump.
“The Primary is over!” Black posted on X. “Now is the time to unite and deliver victory in Florida for @realDonaldTrump!”
State Sen. Joe Gruters, who at the RPOF function was also elected as the state’s national committee member to the Republican National Committee, agreed.
Read: State Of Florida Fights Speeding Up Redistricting Case
“For the state party to take the action that it did is a commanding statement,” he said, according to Politico. “This race is over. The party’s 100 percent behind the former president. And there’s zero doubt now.”
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.