(TheRedWire.com) – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who recently announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential race, is facing accusations of retaliating against a fellow state Republican who endorsed former President Donald Trump’s campaign. State Senator Joe Gruters, representing the Sarasota area, expressed concern over DeSantis vetoing several projects on Thursday.
Gruters stated that DeSantis appeared to be visibly displeased with his endorsement of Trump for the presidency and is unfairly targeting the residents of Sarasota as a result. Gruters emphasized that Trump recognized the paramount importance of public officials serving the people and striving to provide clean water, jobs, and a better future for America’s next generation. However, DeSantis does not share this belief.
Gruters previously held the position of Florida Republican Party chairman until last year, and he actively supported Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016. In April, he publicly endorsed Trump’s third presidential campaign. Notably, numerous Florida Republicans have chosen to endorse Trump over DeSantis in the 2024 presidential race. While Trump has received endorsements from 12 congressional Republicans in the state, DeSantis has only secured one. Within the State legislature, however, DeSantis has garnered support from 23 state senators and 77 state representatives, with Gruters being the sole legislator to endorse Trump.
Jeremy Redfern, the spokesperson for DeSantis, refuted Gruters’ allegations, stating that they were unfounded. Redfern clarified that the governor had approved over $125 million for projects in Sarasota County and only $29 million of the vetoed projects in the billion-dollar budget were related to Sarasota.
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