Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) announced Wednesday that he was endorsing Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis for president in 2024 despite the fact that DeSantis has not yet launched a bid for the White House.
Roy, a prominent Tea Party conservative who is a member of the Freedom Caucus, said in a statement that the next president needs to be “a vibrant and energetic leader with the faith, vision, and courage to chart a new course.”
The lengthy statement made no mention of former President Donald Trump and instead focused on DeSantis’ strengths and why Roy believes DeSantis is the right man for the job.
“America needs a leader who will truly defend her and empower the people against the destructive force of unrestrained government and corporate excess, profligate spending, and woke cultural indoctrination,” Roy began.
“As Governor, he unequivocally has made Florida stronger and freer. Economic growth and prosperity in Florida surged upon his firm rejection of the devastating COVID mandates foisted upon us by foolishly empowered Washington bureaucrats,” he continued. “He stared down woke corporate America and higher education. And he stood with Texas in defense of our border — sending a message to elites in Martha’s Vineyard that they cannot ignore the human and economic toll of open borders.”
“His style of no-nonsense government and fearless rejection of woke ‘conventional wisdom’ has demonstrated an appeal to all of us based on our shared values as Americans,” the statement continued. “He strives to unite us again as one people under the banner of freedom and equal opportunity — with the courage to stand athwart the destructive divisiveness of identity politics or the temptation to pander.”
Roy noted DeSantis’ blowout win in last year’s election and how the governor helped Republicans win across the state in dominant fashion. “When other Republicans were faltering in key races, Governor DeSantis provided a positive vision for the future with prudent, conservative action,” he said. “The result was crystal clear: Republicans enjoyed sweeping, historic performances statewide.”
The statement said that as a veteran, DeSantis would lead the U.S. “as commander in chief with the kind of resolve and sober strength that produces peace through strength.”
“America has been built upon and defined by the sacrifices of one generation for the next,” the statement concluded. “When Republicans choose our 2024 presidential nominee — whom I intend to support against Joe Biden or any other Democrat candidate — I believe it’s time for a new generation of leadership. It’s time for younger, but proven, leadership to offer America eight solid years of transformational change. It’s time for Ron DeSantis to be President of the United States.”
Ken Cuccinelli, an immigration hardliner who served as Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security and Acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the Trump administration, praised the endorsement on Twitter. Cuccinelli launched a PAC last week urging DeSantis to run for president.
Superb! So glad to see the first Congressman come out publicly for @RonDeSantisFL for President!
In #Iowa today stumping with great grassroots folks, sharing thoughts on why Gov. DeSantis is the best choice for America in 2024!#NeverBackDown@NvrBackDown24 https://t.co/nOrfzdd8Xq
— Ken Cuccinelli (@KenCuccinelli) March 15, 2023
