In a surprising turn of events, Chris Jankowski, the head of Never Back Down, the super PAC supporting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ presidential bid, has resigned amid internal turmoil within the organization. Jankowski, a seasoned figure in Republican politics, submitted his immediate resignation on Wednesday, citing an “untenable” environment that extends beyond mere differences in strategic opinions.
“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. For the future of our country, I support and pray Ron DeSantis is our 47th president,” Jankowski stated in a press release shared by the super PAC.
Never Back Down has played a pivotal role in supporting DeSantis’ presidential aspirations since the launch of his campaign in May. The organization successfully raised nine figures, positioning itself as a potent force for the governor’s attack strategies and media campaigns. Despite these efforts, DeSantis has struggled to break through the crowded field of Republican presidential contenders and establish himself as the primary challenger to former President Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP.
Ongoing polls consistently place DeSantis in a statistical tie for second place with contenders such as former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. The internal strife within Never Back Down reflects the mounting frustration within the organization as it grapples with the challenge of elevating DeSantis to a prominent position in the race.
Recent reports, including an exposé by NBC News, shed light on the internal discord within Never Back Down, revealing a tense meeting last week that nearly escalated into a physical altercation. The confrontation reportedly involved Axiom Strategies CEO Jeff Roe, a top consultant for Never Back Down, and Scott Wagner, a long-time associate of DeSantis. The intensity of the clash required intervention to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
Despite the internal challenges, DeSantis received a positive development for his campaign on Tuesday when he secured the endorsement of influential Iowa Christian leader Bob Vander Plaats. This endorsement could potentially boost DeSantis’ standing among conservative voters and strengthen his appeal within the GOP.
As the 2024 presidential race unfolds, the resignation of Chris Jankowski raises questions about the future trajectory of Never Back Down and its role in shaping DeSantis’ campaign. The internal strife within the super PAC underscores the complexities and challenges faced by candidates as they navigate the competitive landscape of a presidential election, with implications that extend beyond individual strategic differences. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be crucial for DeSantis as he seeks to recalibrate his campaign and secure a more dominant position in the race for the Republican nomination.
