Democrats scored a major upset over Republicans in Tuesday’s Jacksonville Mayor race. Ron DeSantis-endorsed Daniel Davis lost to Democrat Donna Deegan. DeSantis is facing mounting criticism for spending the weekend before Jacksonville’s election traveling to Iowa to campaign for himself.
In March, DeSantis released a statement that read, “I am proud to endorse Daniel Davis for Jacksonville mayor because I trust him to fight for Jacksonville’s hardworking families, and I know he will stand with the city’s brave men and women in law enforcement,”
Thanks @GovRonDeSantis. pic.twitter.com/ObPSwWPGrf
— Daniel Davis (@DanielDavisFL) March 31, 2023
DeSantis chose to spend the final weekend before Florida’s election in Iowa campaigning for himself despite the fact that Florida Democrats made the Jacksonville Mayors race their top priority.
While in Iowa, DeSantis bragged to GOP voters about his ability to create a winning culture. Following Tuesday’s election loss, GOP voters are criticizing DeSantis for his winning culture remarks.
Ron DeSantis should have spent his Saturday campaigning for Republicans in Jacksonville instead of grilling burgers in Iowa.
pic.twitter.com/yckqrFgmhK— Charles R Downs (@TheCharlesDowns) May 17, 2023
Congratulations to @GovRonDeSantis for turning Jacksonville Blue tonight!!!
Now I see why he named his book “Florida’s Blueprint”. https://t.co/dKtGHF8FWL
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) May 17, 2023
Residents of Jacksonville are NOT HAPPY about Ron DeSantis losing the mayoral race for Republicans by not showing up to campaign ONE time for the Republican candidate in FL’s biggest city. Ron failed the people of Jacksonville and the people of Florida because of his own selfish… https://t.co/hiGvgLzo7z
— Alex Bruesewitz 🇺🇸 (@alexbruesewitz) May 17, 2023
Donald Trump criticized DeSantis for the loss in Florida, writing on TruthSocial, “Wow! In a big upset, the DeSanctimonious backed Republican candidate for Mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, LOST. This is a shocker. If they would have asked me to Endorse, he would have won, easily. Too proud to do so. Fools! This is a BIG LOSS for the Republican Party. Remember, “Rob” only won because of me!!!”
Trump also pointed out DeSantis’ failures in Florida and Kentucky, writing on TruthSocial “Congratulations to a “star” in Kentucky, Danial Cameron, who easily won the Republican Nomination for Governor. He had my Complete and Total Endorsement. The DeSanctimonious backed candidate came in a DISTANT third. Ron’s magic is GONE! He also lost, shockingly, in Jacksonville last night (Mayor).”
Trump also wrote on TruthSocial “DeSanctimonious lost Jacksonville and Kentucky last night. Not good!!!”
Ron DeSantis is expected to announce a run for president soon despite his mounting losses and falling poll numbers.
