What went awry for Ron DeSantis in the 2024 US election?
Ron DeSantis projected an air of confidence when he launched his presidential campaign in May of last year. Striding across a stage adorned with flags, he promised supporters the “Great American Comeback.” Fast forward seven months, and the man once hailed as “Trump 2.0” has withdrawn from the race, citing a lack of a “clear path to victory” against the dominant frontrunner for the Republican nomination—Donald Trump.
So, what led to the downfall of the Florida governor, previously considered a political powerhouse for his stance against “woke ideology” and his solid track record in office? Issues ranged from DeSantis’s perceived lack of charisma and awkward interactions with voters to flaws in his campaign strategy. However, the decisive factor was the formidable opponent he faced in Donald Trump.
Matthew Bartlett, a Republican strategist from New Hampshire, pointed out the challenge DeSantis encountered in competing with Trump, who commanded steadfast support from his followers. According to Bartlett, Trump had become not only their political but also personal identity over the past decade.
Reflecting on the campaign, experts noted the challenging nature of the election cycle for a relative newcomer to the national stage. DeSantis started as a genuine threat to Trump at the beginning of 2023, with around 35% in the polls and momentum from a resounding re-election victory as Florida governor. However, delays in the official campaign launch allowed Trump to rebuild his image as a political outsider amid numerous legal issues, ultimately tipping the scales in his favor.
Despite hopes that Trump’s legal troubles might sway public opinion, DeSantis refrained from criticizing him and often echoed Trump’s claims of being unfairly targeted. Trump, on the other hand, didn’t hold back, using derogatory nicknames like “Meatball Ron” and “Ron DeSanctimonious.”
DeSantis’s strategy of positioning himself to Trump’s right, focusing on cultural issues rather than economic concerns, set him apart from other Republican rivals. However, it also exposed his limitations as a candidate, especially when compared to Trump’s larger-than-life persona. Observers noted DeSantis’s awkwardness, describing his demeanor as robotic and unappealing to voters, particularly in crucial states like Iowa and New Hampshire.
While the campaign initially secured a second-place finish in Iowa, supporters expressing confidence in DeSantis as a viable alternative to Trump, he ultimately suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump before the primaries in an effort to avoid damaging his standing with Trump’s followers.
At 45 years old, DeSantis recognizes that this setback is not the end of his political journey. Supporters, like Jack Figge, are already looking ahead to 2028, affirming their loyalty to DeSantis despite the current electoral challenges.
