Florida Republicans made an unconventional move by voting to endorse Donald Trump for the GOP’s presidential nomination during their annual meeting in Wesley Chapel.
Despite Trump facing a primary challenge, the endorsement reflects the widespread belief that Trump has a strong grip on the nomination. The decision highlights the loyalty of the GOP’s rank-and-file members to Trump, even after his unsuccessful reelection bid in 2020.
The endorsement came as part of a series of votes, with state Sen. Joe Gruters elected as the party’s new national committeeman. Additionally, the members officially opposed a proposed ballot amendment seeking to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.
Florida GOP (Credits: AP News)
Florida state Rep. Dean Black, chair of the Duval County Republican Party, initiated the motion to endorse Trump, emphasizing the need for the party to unite around a single candidate.
The vote underscores Trump’s influence within the GOP despite facing a primary challenge from former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley.
Evan Power, the newly elected chairman of the Florida GOP, expressed support for the endorsement, pointing to Trump’s victories in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary as evidence of strong backing from Republican voters.
Notably, influential Republicans in Florida, including Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, had already endorsed Trump, emphasizing his ability to challenge President Joe Biden in the upcoming election.
While the primary endorsement is unusual, given the ongoing primary challenge, Trump’s dominant performance in the nominating contests and the support from key Republicans signal a united front for the party.
The Florida Republican primary is scheduled for March 19, with Haley, the remaining challenger, indicating her intention to compete through at least Super Tuesday on March 5.
