DeSantis replaces his campaign manager as he resets his faltering 2024 presidential bid

Republican presidential contender Ron DeSantis is making significant changes to his campaign by replacing his campaign manager amid a slow-moving 2024 presidential run. The Florida governor has enlisted James Uthmeier, previously his chief of staff in the state office, as his new campaign manager, taking over from Generra Peck, who formerly managed DeSantis’ reelection campaign before assuming the same position in his presidential race.

Although replaced, Peck will remain involved as a strategist. This change comes after DeSantis recently cut two significant staff members and laid off about a third of his staff in late July due to the campaign’s financial constraints.

Uthmeier, who has been a top adviser to DeSantis for years, will work closely with Peck and the team to optimize DeSantis’ chances in the primary and potentially beat Joe Biden, according to campaign spokesman Andrew Romeo. Despite being a strong rival to Donald Trump in the packed GOP presidential field, DeSantis has trailed the former president in the polls.

Uthmeier’s involvement isn’t without controversy. He has remained in touch with DeSantis while also working on fundraising activities, a move that raised ethical questions. Uthmeier’s previous work within the Trump administration and his involvement in an effort to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census were also scrutinized. During his leave of absence from the governor’s office, Florida’s Secretary of Commerce, Alex Kelly, will assume the role of acting chief of staff.

The DeSantis campaign is also bringing on David Polyansky, an operative who has been working on a super PAC supporting DeSantis, as a deputy campaign manager. Polyansky’s experience in early voting Iowa, along with his previous work on campaigns for Scott Walker, Ted Cruz, Michele Bachmann, Joni Ernst, and Mike Huckabee, makes him a valuable addition to the team.

However, Polyansky’s dual role as chief strategy officer for Axiom Strategies and advisor to the super PAC Never Back Down has raised questions about potential coordination issues between the super PAC and the campaign. Campaign finance lawyer Brett Kappel noted that such arrangements aren’t uncommon, but usually involve a leave of absence or the signing of a firewall agreement. The DeSantis campaign has yet to clarify Polyansky’s position regarding his firm or any firewall agreement.

These changes within DeSantis’ campaign were first reported by The Messenger on Tuesday and reflect the campaign’s attempt to rejuvenate his candidacy as the race continues to heat up. The governor’s focus on various issues such as his “Declaration of Economic Independence,” aimed at China, taxes, regulations, and the nation’s elite, highlights his determination to reposition himself in the highly competitive presidential race.

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