Trump-backed DeSantis wins Florida’s GOP gubernatorial primary

PHOENIX — Rep. Ron DeSantis rode a robust endorsement from President Donald Trump to victory Tuesday in Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary. DeSantis was one of several Republicans running in contests in Florida and Arizona who hoped that cozying up to the president would be rewarded by voters.

The winner of the Florida governor’s race will give his or her party an advantage in a key political battleground heading into the 2020 presidential campaign. The Democratic primary featured a crowded and diverse group, and it was too early to call a winner as polls closed across the state. Former Rep. Gwen Graham, who would be the state’s first female governor, and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who would be the state’s first black governor, were locked in a tight race.

Trump cheered DeSantis’ victory on Twitter Tuesday night, writing: “Ron will be a fantastic Governor. On to November!”

Florida Gov. Rick Scott is vacating the governor’s mansion to run for Senate. He easily won his primary, setting up a showdown with Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson that is expected to be one of the nation’s most competitive races.

In Arizona, primary contests were shadowed by the death of Sen. John McCain. Though McCain was a towering figure who was elected to the Senate by Arizonans six times, the three Republican candidates running to replace his retiring seatmate, Sen. Jeff Flake, aligned themselves more with the president than the longtime senator.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey planned to name a replacement to fill McCain’s seat after the primary.

In the state’s largest county, dozens of polling locations didn’t open on time and voters reported being turned away. Leaders in Maricopa County rejected calls to try to keep polls open later, saying it may confuse voters and delay returns. No problems were reported elsewhere in the state.

Voting was also underway in Oklahoma, where two GOP candidates in a runoff race for governor have been battling over who is more supportive of Trump.

Trump surprised Florida Republicans late last year with his endorsement of DeSantis, and frequently tweeted about the lawmaker, one of his staunchest supporters in Washington. His backing helped push DeSantis past Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who has held elected office in Florida since 1996, quickly built up establishment support and raised millions of dollars.

The Democratic gubernatorial field in Florida was the most crowded since 1978. Graham, who was hoping to claim the office once held by her father, Bob Graham, had been polling favorably leading up to the primary.

Gillum, a favorite of progressives, spent the least of the five major Democratic candidates and had the smallest television presence.