In a surprising twist, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has opted to replace his campaign manager, Generra Peck, with a trusted long-time political advisor who boasts a wealth of experience but minimal involvement in campaign activities.
The transition, unveiled on Tuesday, involves the elevation of James Uthmeier, who previously held the position of chief of staff in DeSantis’ gubernatorial office, to assume the campaign management role. While this change, verified by Fox News Digital, is the latest maneuver in a recent “reload” of the DeSantis campaign, it follows a string of lackluster poll numbers in the highly competitive 2024 GOP primary race.
Though Peck will retain her role as chief strategist within the campaign, this shift transpired mere weeks after prominent DeSantis campaign figures and external advisors emphasized Peck’s secure position as the architect of the governor’s White House aspirations.
In response to inquiries, campaign Communications Director Andrew Romeo conveyed, “James Uthmeier has stood as one of Governor DeSantis’ foremost advisors for an extended period, and his strategic presence is paramount where it matters most: working hand-in-hand with Generra Peck and the rest of the team to fortify the governor’s stance for a triumphant primary victory and to challenge Joe Biden. The addition of David Polyansky, with his seasoned experience in presidential campaigns and his affiliation with Never Back Down, is an integral enhancement. As we persist in disseminating the governor’s message across the nation, we are energized by these enriching additions. The moment has arrived to reverse our nation’s decline and rejuvenate America’s future.”
While critics have seized upon the recent reshuffling of staff as indicative of a faltering campaign, Uthmeier fervently argues that DeSantis remains a formidable contender. In his own words, “Governor DeSantis has been eulogized by pundits on numerous occasions. From his compelling race against establishment candidate Adam Putnam in the primaries, to his victory over media-favored contender Andrew Gillum in 2018, and his resounding triumph over Charlie Crist in 2022, DeSantis has consistently demonstrated his mastery of the art of winning. His fundraising prowess is rewriting records, fortified by a robust super PAC boasting $100 million and an impressive grassroots presence. The stage is set.”
Having basked in the adulation of conservatives nationwide due to his unyielding stance against pandemic restrictions and his audacious pursuits as a cultural crusader, DeSantis, at the age of 44, enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity over the past three years. Notably, his commanding 19-point re-election victory in Florida’s gubernatorial race last November marked a resounding success in an election cycle that witnessed some high-profile Republican setbacks.
However, DeSantis has encountered a series of setbacks in recent months, resulting in a barrage of negative coverage highlighting campaign overspending, staff reductions, and operational missteps.
Former President Donald Trump, a dominant figure leading the GOP nomination race as he embarks on his third White House bid, has surged ahead of DeSantis in numerous polls since the governor’s declaration of candidacy two months ago. Furthermore, DeSantis’ lead over other contenders in the sprawling field of 2024 Republican presidential candidates has gradually eroded.
Reacting swiftly to the latest developments in the DeSantis campaign, Trump’s allies seized the opportunity to underscore their perspective. Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc., quipped, “Ron DeSantis has orchestrated a trifecta of political moves today, and it’s not even lunchtime. The only hitch? All three moves have inadvertently scored against himself.”
While DeSantis managed to amass a remarkable $20.1 million during the initial six weeks of his campaign, a closer examination reveals that nearly half of this sum – approximately $8.2 million – materialized within the first 24 hours of his candidacy announcement. Notably, a substantial portion of DeSantis’ fundraising was derived from major donors, with many having reached the maximum allowable contribution limit stipulated by Federal Election Commission regulations.
Further illuminating the financial landscape, DeSantis has been outpacing Trump in campaign expenditures. The governor’s campaign disbursed $7.9 million within a timeframe half as long as Trump’s team, which expended $9.1 million.
The DeSantis campaign’s recent engagement with top financial backers conveyed an ongoing “reset” initiative. During discussions with influential donors and bundlers, campaign officials acknowledged excessive spending since DeSantis’ presidential bid launch.
In recent weeks, the recalibrated DeSantis campaign has orchestrated a series of scaled-down events, often orchestrated by Never Back Down, a super PAC that backs DeSantis’ 2024 White House aspirations. This organization has assumed many of the traditional roles typically managed by a campaign.
Dan Eberhart, CEO of an oil drilling company, prominent Republican donor, and bundler supporting DeSantis, emphasized the governor’s intent to reshape the campaign’s dynamics. Eberhart emphasized that the restructured effort seeks to usher in a “great American comeback.”
As the campaign narrative undergoes this dynamic evolution, all eyes are trained on the outcome of this strategic shift. The aura of uncertainty enveloping the forthcoming plea proceeding, accompanied by the enigmatic court order, lends an air of exclusivity and anticipation to this unfolding political saga.