Pro-DeSantis Super PAC Experiences Major Staff Changes
DES MOINES, Iowa – In a surprising turn of events, three senior members of a super PAC supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have resigned, adding to the growing instability within his political operation just weeks before the Iowa Republican caucuses. The departures of Kristin Davison, who recently took over as the group’s leader, as well as communications director Erin Perrine and director of operations Matt Palmisano, were confirmed by anonymous sources familiar with the matter. The departure of Davison was initially reported by Politico. Scott Wagner, a longtime ally of DeSantis, has been named interim CEO and board chairman of the super PAC, Never Back Down.
Never Back Down has played a crucial role in DeSantis’ presidential campaign since its inception in May, handling most of the organizing duties and advertising. However, with the pressure mounting on DeSantis to narrow the significant lead held by former President Donald Trump in Iowa and nationally, many voters and donors are now considering throwing their support behind former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. The recent shake-up in leadership within Never Back Down further highlights the challenges DeSantis faces in gaining ground.
DeSantis heavily relied on Never Back Down for essential campaign functions, although federal campaign finance rules prohibit direct coordination between the two entities. According to the group’s schedule, DeSantis appeared at Never Back Down events in 92 out of the 99 counties he visited in Iowa. The recent resignations of CEO Chris Jankowski on November 22 and former board chairman Adam Laxalt on Friday have been seen by some as a strategic move by DeSantis’ loyalists to regain control over Never Back Down.
Notably, DeSantis’ campaign transferred more than $80 million to the super PAC earlier this year. However, as a formal candidate, DeSantis and his campaign are legally barred from having direct control over the group or the funds. Instead, the super PAC has been managed by Jeff Roe, a prominent Republican political consultant with ties to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, among other major Republican clients. Never Back Down’s staff, primarily composed of employees from Roe’s firm, Axiom Strategies, has been organizing in Iowa since June, with over two dozen staff members dedicated to the effort.
The strained relationship between DeSantis’ loyalists and Roe’s team comes as no surprise to those familiar with the Florida governor. DeSantis has struggled to maintain close relationships with political consultants, frequently cycling through different consultants. His wife, Casey, is widely regarded as his closest adviser. In an emailed statement, Never Back Down announced that Scott Wagner would assume the roles of chairman of the board and interim CEO. The statement emphasized the super PAC’s exceptional caucus operation and its commitment to supporting DeSantis’ bid for the presidency.
Former President Trump took to his social media platform to celebrate the reported departures, stating, “The Ron DeSanctimonious campaign people are dropping like flies.” As the 2024 primary race intensifies, it remains to be seen how these recent changes within Never Back Down will impact DeSantis’ campaign.
