Ron DeSantis picks up 10 South Carolina endorsements from former backers of Tim Scott’s campaign

Ron DeSantis has garnered support from 10 South Carolina endorsements, previously backers of Senator Tim Scott’s presidential campaign. These endorsements hold significance as DeSantis aims to strengthen his position in South Carolina, a pivotal state in the 2024 GOP primaries.

Among those publicly declaring their support for DeSantis are South Carolina state Representatives Bill Taylor and Tom Hartnett Jr., along with several local elected officials who had previously endorsed Tim Scott before he suspended his campaign. Hartnett expressed his confidence in DeSantis, describing him as the leader needed for the current moment. He emphasized DeSantis as the candidate best suited to win the presidency and fulfill promises to reverse the country’s decline.

Both Ron DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley are actively seeking to gain the support and donations that were initially directed towards Tim Scott’s campaign after his unexpected withdrawal. DeSantis’ campaign asserts that it is better positioned than Haley to challenge former President Donald Trump in early-primary states like South Carolina, a state where Haley previously served as governor.

DeSantis is planning a series of campaign events in South Carolina on December 1, coinciding with the increasing activity in the state leading up to the first-in-the-South primary on February 24. During this visit, he will also attend an annual dinner hosted by The Citadel Republican Society, where he will be honored with the Nathan Hale Patriot Award, which includes a replica Revolutionary War-era musket. This prestigious award has been previously bestowed upon figures like Trump, Haley, Scott, and former Vice President Mike Pence.

With a total of 68 endorsements from elected officials in South Carolina, DeSantis leads the pack in terms of support from the state’s political figures. Bill Taylor and Tom Hartnett were among the officials who had endorsed Tim Scott when he announced his candidacy in June.

DeSantis is now focused on making headway in Tim Scott’s home state following the senator’s unexpected exit from the presidential race. Scott, in a conversation on a Fox News Channel show hosted by his close friend, former Rep. Trey Gowdy, cited the clear message from voters as the reason for suspending his campaign. His departure marked the second major exit from the race in recent weeks, with Mike Pence also suspending his campaign, stating that it was not his time, at a Republican Jewish Coalition event in Las Vegas.

The GOP field has faced challenges in a race dominated by the enduring popularity of former President Donald Trump. Despite various legal issues and indictments, Trump continues to lead significantly in polls, leading many within the party to believe that the race is effectively over, barring any unforeseen developments.

In South Carolina, Trump’s influence has remained strong, with endorsements from prominent officials including Governor Henry McMaster, Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, Senator Lindsey Graham, and several members of the U.S. House delegation. He also enjoys the support of the state House speaker and numerous legislative leaders.

For more details, you can reach out to Meg Kinnard on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP.

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