Oklahoma's Kevin Stitt turns into first governor to endorse DeSantis for president

Gov. Kevin Stitt (R-OK) endorsed Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) for president on Saturday, giving DeSantis his first endorsement from a fellow governor.

The endorsement got here at an occasion in Tulsa, Oklahoma, placed on by pro-DeSantis Tremendous PAC By no means Again Down. The 2 governors are good mates and have very comparable political views. DeSantis endorsed Stitt in his re-election marketing campaign in 2022, and the Oklahoma governor traveled to Florida earlier this 12 months for a fundraiser for DeSantis.

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Two former members of Stitt’s crew are additionally working to assist DeSantis turn into president. Stitt’s pollster on his two campaigns for governor is now operating information for By no means Again Down, and his former communications director works for DeSantis’ official marketing campaign.

“Governor DeSantis is a robust conservative and principled chief, and I'm proud to endorse him for president,” Stitt stated in an announcement. “As fellow Governors throughout COVID, DeStanis didn't give up States’ rights and particular person liberties over to groupthink. On this election cycle, Oklahomans will do not forget that DeSantis was one of many few that by no means backed down within the face of adversity, as a result of DeSantis operated with dogged conviction and shared our values for a restricted authorities and free nation.”

He continued by saying DeSantis is the candidate who can beat President Joe Biden and get re-elected to a second time period.

After the occasion in Tulsa, the 2 governors will journey to Ponca Metropolis for the 101 Wild West Rodeo, a favourite of Stitt’s.

The Stitt endorsement comes after 20 Oklahoma state legislators introduced their help for the Florida governor's 2024 bid earlier this week.