Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's super PAC, Never Back Down, has reportedly canceled its $2.5 million ad reservation in Iowa and New Hampshire for the 2024 GOP presidential primary, just weeks before the caucuses and primaries commence.
AdImpact Politics, an ad-tracking group, first reported the cancellation.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis's super PAC cancels TV ads in Iowa and New Hampshire, just weeks before the GOP presidential primary kicks off https://t.co/gvblIid7N6 pic.twitter.com/yUSpQ1VfOa
— The Hill (@thehill) December 23, 2023
Scott Wagner, chairman of AdImpact Politics, stated that this decision allows Never Back Down to concentrate on its grassroots efforts in early states, with a newly established outside group named Fight Right taking charge of the airwaves for Governor DeSantis.
Wagner emphasized Never Back Down's commitment to its core mission, running an advanced grassroots and political caucus operation while supporting Governor DeSantis.
Fight Right, among other groups, will handle the advertising aspect, allowing Never Back Down to focus on ground operations in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and beyond.
This strategic shift is noteworthy as Never Back Down had been actively buying ads during the spring and summer, providing campaign-like functions, including extensive advertising efforts and door-knocking operations. The move follows a memo recommended by the governor's presidential campaign, as reported by The New York Times.
Taryn Fenske, spokesperson for Fight Right, stated that the group plans to spend over $2.5 million on ads before the Iowa caucuses, with a focus on addressing Nikki Haley's stance and record on China.
Amidst Never Back Down's recent departures, a new pro-DeSantis Super PAC, "Good Fight," has emerged. This group, registered with the FEC, has reserved $1.3 million for an ad to run on broadcast and cable just before the Iowa caucuses.
The ad features Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis discussing her husband's background and emphasizing his conservative principles and effective leadership. The new Super PAC aims to convey the message that Governor DeSantis is a fighter with integrity and strong conservative values.
The strategic shift of Never Back Down, Governor Ron DeSantis's super PAC, comes less than a month before the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary, where DeSantis is currently trailing GOP front-runners Donald Trump and Nikki Haley.
The super PAC's earlier approach involved extensive advertising efforts during the spring and summer, as well as campaign-like functions typically handled by campaigns.
Fight Right, the newly created outside group, plans to spend more than $2.5 million on ads before the Iowa caucuses. The group's strategy includes a $1.3 million broadcast and cable reservation in Iowa, with an ad scheduled to address Nikki Haley's stance and record on China.
The move by Never Back Down suggests a reevaluation of advertising strategies and a renewed focus on ground operations in key early states. The evolving dynamics within the DeSantis political landscape reveal concerns related to his battle against former President Donald Trump.
