Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s presidential prospects just got a substantial boost as twenty state legislators from Oklahoma rallied behind him, according to a news release on Wednesday.
Among the influential endorsements from state House leadership, Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, Deputy Majority Leader Trey Caldwell, and Deputy Floor Leader John Pfeiffer stand out. These endorsements come just ahead of DeSantis’s anticipated visit to Tulsa this weekend.
Echols, expressing his support for DeSantis, emphasized the need for a leader who can effectively reverse the policies emanating from Washington, D.C., that have over-empowered the federal government to determine the nation’s course. Echols stated, “Ron DeSantis has the courageous vision and the fighting power to give Oklahomans representation of our conservative cause for eight years, and I am confident he can deliver the election victory we need.”
DeSantis’s impressive string of endorsements isn’t limited to Oklahoma. Prior to his presidential announcement on May 24, he received support from over 50 lawmakers in New Hampshire and 37 in Iowa, two key early primary states. Since then, his support base has continued to expand, with an additional four New Hampshire state representatives endorsing him, including state Rep. Kristine Perez, who previously backed former President Donald Trump.
In his home state of Florida, DeSantis boasts the backing of 99 state representatives, including the leaders of both legislative chambers, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and House Speaker Paul Renner.
Oklahoma State Senator Lonnie Paxton, chairman of the Energy and Telecommunications Committee, praised DeSantis’s track record. He stated, “Ron DeSantis has a proven record of governing, protecting freedom, and promoting the rights of States, parents, and small businesses. We need eight years of his leadership to revive America’s greatness as an economic powerhouse and global leader in energy dominance and independence, and I am proud to support him in his bid to become our next president.”
Several others, including Sens. Chris Kidd, Roland Pederson, John Michael Montgomery, and Brent Howard, along with Reps. Mike Osburn, Neil Hays, Ryan Martinez, Nick Archer, Anthony Moore, Dell Kerbs, Mark Lepak, Josh West, Chris Kannady, Chad Caldwell, Terry O’Donnell, and Chris Sneed, have all thrown their support behind DeSantis’s presidential bid.
At the time of writing, DeSantis’s campaign has yet to respond to requests for comment. The wave of endorsements, however, underscores the increasing influence of DeSantis as a robust conservative voice within the Republican Party.
