Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) endorsed former President Donald Trump for president in 2024.
The move is a huge loss for Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, with Scott calling for Republicans to unite around the former president.
Rick Scott Backs Trump in Rare Primary Endorsement, Snubbing His Own State’s DeSantis https://t.co/SUikKxEVbp
— Mediaite (@Mediaite) November 2, 2023
“I’m proud to endorse [Trump],” wrote Scott on social media Wednesday.
“It’s time for the Republican Party to come together, behind one candidate, and declare with one voice that we are united in our efforts to defeat Joe Biden and rescue America," he added.
Senator Rick Scott: “In my view there is one person running who has the strength to bring America back, who is well-positioned to win the Republican primary, and who will win the general election. And that is why I am supporting Donald Trump for president. https://t.co/xe7DKpswkE
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) November 2, 2023
Scott also elaborated on his support for Trump in an op-ed featured in Newsweek supporting the former president.
"“In my view there is one person running who has the strength to bring America back, who is well-positioned to win the Republican primary, and who will win the general election. And that is why I am supporting Donald Trump for president," he wrote.
Thank you, President Trump!
It’s time for Republicans to come together and fire @JoeBiden next year. pic.twitter.com/aki9bcOT5W
— Rick Scott (@ScottforFlorida) November 3, 2023
Trump took to Truth Social to post his thanks to Scott over the recent public endorsement.
"A great honor to have received such a powerful Endorsement from Senator Rick Scott of Florida. Rick is tough and smart, and he knows what America needs, especially in these troubled (By Biden!) times," he wrote.
The endorsement adds to a growing list of Republican senators who have endorsed Trump, offering him a clear advantage among GOP lawmakers.
The endorsement comes, however, as Trump continues to face multiple legal battles, including a New York fraud case in trial this week. He also has upcoming cases in Georgia, Florida and Washington.
The legal attacks have so far not hurt his chances among Republican voters, with the former president well ahead of competitors in nationwide polls for the GOP primary contests that begin early next year. The endorsement also hits DeSantis as he focused on Iowa, the first primary state, in his effort to gain traction in his battle against Trump.
