Amidst escalating internal conflicts and strategic disagreements with DeSantis's 2024 presidential campaign, Chris Jankowski stepped down from his position at the helm of the influential super PAC.
Jankowski's departure from Never Back Down marks a significant moment in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election.
His decision was influenced by what he described as "untenable" conditions, primarily stemming from differences in strategy with the DeSantis campaign.
The catalyst for Jankowski's resignation appears to have been a tumultuous meeting held last week in Atlanta involving the leadership of Never Back Down.
During this meeting, fierce disagreements led to a shouting match between strategist Jeff Roe and Scott Wagner. The fallout from this altercation was significant, contributing to the creation of a new PAC called Fight Right.
The formation of a new PAC in such proximity to a significant resignation suggests a deep and possibly irreconcilable divide within the DeSantis support base, Washington Examiner reported.
Interestingly, Fight Right was established by three close allies of DeSantis. It seems the infighting within Never Back Down was a catalyst for this new formation.
The disputes within the PAC extended to financial allocations. There was disagreement regarding a substantial $1 million transfer to Fight Right. It was intended for the creation and airing of attack ads against fellow GOP 2024 hopeful Nikki Haley.
These ads, which compared Haley to Hillary Clinton, were aired in Iowa. Regrettably, this move backfired, causing damage to DeSantis's image rather than Haley's. As a result, the ads were promptly pulled from circulation.
The 2024 GOP nomination is shaping up to be a battleground. Both Haley and DeSantis are vying to present themselves as alternatives to former President Trump.
The political landscape remains fluid, with both DeSantis and Haley potentially in a position to take on President Biden.
Chris Jankowski, upon his resignation, stated to CBS News, "Never Back Down's main goal and sole focus has been to elect Governor Ron DeSantis as President. Given the current environment it has become untenable for me to deliver on the shared goal and that goes well beyond a difference of strategic opinion."
Chris Jankowski's resignation as CEO of the Never Back Down PAC is a significant event in the political landscape.
The internal disputes within the PAC have revealed the complex dynamics at play within major political campaigns.
As the race for the GOP nomination heats up, these developments could have important implications for the success of Ron DeSantis.
