DeSantis Undermines Trump-Backed Donalds in $100 Million Florida Primary
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jul 18
DeSantis Undermines Trump-Backed Donalds in $100 Million Florida Primary
2 articles · Updated · CNN · Jul 18
Summary
Florida’s August 18 GOP governor primary has turned into one of the midterms’ nastiest intraparty fights, even though Byron Donalds remains the clear front-runner with Trump’s endorsement and a huge cash edge.
Ron DeSantis drove much of the turmoil by refusing to back Donalds or any rival, privately and publicly questioning Donalds’ fitness while also withholding support from Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and former Speaker Paul Renner.
Donalds has raised more than $100 million and held nearly $66 million last month—about 10 times Collins’ total—allowing him to skip debates as opponents argue over who should consolidate anti-Donalds voters.
That vacuum has widened the field for James Fishback, a 31-year-old insurgent facing a residency lawsuit and a separate New York judgment topping $1 million in legal fees, while also drawing attention for racist attacks on Donalds.
The brawl is increasingly isolating DeSantis as Florida Republicans, including former chief of staff James Uthmeier, line up behind Donalds after the governor’s budget-signing weakened his leverage over party allies.