Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has seen his popularity among the national GOP base skyrocket since early 2020 when the Sunshine State’s chief executive emerged as a staunch opponent of federal government COVID-19 pandemic mandates and restrictions.
Placing President Joe Biden and White House chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci in his crosshairs has paid dividends for DeSantis with his in-state constituency as well as out-of-state supporters.
According to Florida campaign finance records, DeSantis’ 2022 gubernatorial reelection bid has received $60,355 from the state of Alabama.
Spanning from Mobile to Muscle Shoals, DeSantis has garnered a total of 1,139 campaign contributions thus far from Yellowhammer State residents.
Compared to his contribution totals from Alabama during the 2018 election cycle, the governor’s financial support from Florida’s bordering state has nearly doubled.
DeSantis raised $35,102 from Alabamians for his initial gubernatorial campaign, signifying a substantial increase in support from the state as he gained in popularity among the Republican electorate.
His current donation total comes as there are still more than 100 days left until Floridians cast their ballots in the November 8 general election.
Florida’s Democratic Party gubernatorial primary election features U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried.
An internal poll published in late June by Crist’s campaign shows the former Florida governor leading Fried 55% to 34%. Democrats will choose their party’s nominee in the state’s August 23 primary election.
Political observers predict that DeSantis will emerge as a heavy favorite in the general election to maintain his residency at the governor’s mansion in Tallahassee.
Appearing as a regular on Fox News Channel, as well as becoming a target of mainstream liberal media, has raised speculation that DeSantis could become the Republican Party’s leading choice to retake the White House in 2024.
DeSantis has routinely opted against discussing a potential presidential bid, maintaining that the Florida firebrand’s focus is on his current duties as governor.
However, this has not kept liberal pundits from attempting to spark a feud between DeSantis and former President Donald Trump, who, judging by recent public statements, appears to be flirting with another run for the presidency.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
