In a significant development for the 2024 presidential campaign, the head of Republican presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ super PAC, Never Back Down, has resigned amidst internal turmoil within the organization. Chris Jankowski, a seasoned operative in Republican politics, submitted his resignation letter to the board of Never Back Down, citing irreconcilable differences in strategy moving forward. This development raises questions about DeSantis’ path to securing the GOP nomination and challenging former President Donald Trump’s influence.
Never Back Down has played a crucial role in DeSantis’ bid for the presidency since its inception in May, including raising significant funds to support the governor’s campaign. However, despite their efforts, DeSantis has struggled to break through the crowded Republican field and emerge as the main challenger to Trump’s dominance. Recent polls have consistently shown DeSantis in a statistical tie for second place with contenders such as former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
Internal frustrations within Never Back Down came to a boiling point during a heated meeting last week, which nearly escalated into a physical altercation. Reports indicate that the organization’s top consultant, Axiom Strategies CEO Jeff Roe, and longtime DeSantis associate Scott Wagner clashed during the board meeting, requiring intervention to prevent further escalation.
Despite the internal struggles, DeSantis’ campaign received a boost when influential Iowa Christian leader Bob Vander Plaats endorsed him on Tuesday. This endorsement could potentially help DeSantis gain traction in key primary states and solidify his support among conservative voters.
The resignation of Chris Jankowski as the head of Never Back Down underscores the challenges faced by DeSantis’ campaign in its quest for the presidency. This development raises questions about the campaign’s future strategy and the ability to overcome Trump’s influence within the Republican Party. As the 2024 campaign intensifies, it remains to be seen how DeSantis will navigate these challenges and emerge as a viable contender for the GOP nomination.
Both Never Back Down and the DeSantis campaign have been contacted for comment but have yet to respond. As the 2024 campaign progresses, stay tuned for the latest updates, exclusive interviews, and in-depth analysis on our digital election hub.
