Roy is first in Congress to endorse Desantis for 2024
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Chip Roy on Wednesday threw his support behind Florida Gov. Ron Desantis for president, offering the Republican his first congressional endorsement before he has even launched a campaign for the White House.
In an email to supporters, Roy called Desantis a “vibrant and energetic leader with the faith, vision, and courage to chart a new course.”
“America needs a leader who will truly defend her and empower the people against the destructive force of unrestrained government and corporate excess, profligate spending, and woke cultural indoctrination,” wrote the Austin Republican, whose district stretches to San Antonio.
The endorsement is early, but not surprising. Roy has often talked up Desantis — and had a rocky relationship with former President Donald Trump, who is seeking a return to the White House.
Roy was one of the few Republicans in the House who voted to certify Trump’s loss to President Joe Biden in 2021, arguing it was unconstitutional for Congress to object to the electors sent by the states, as 139 of his GOP colleagues in the House did.
Behind the scenes, Roy pressed repeatedly for Trump to “call everyone off,” warning what would happen if not: “We’re driving a stake in the heart of the federal republic.”
Roy did not mention Trump in in his email, and said he would support any Republican who wins the nomination. But he seemed to call for a shift away from the former president.
“I believe it’s time for a new generation of leadership,” he said. “It’s time for younger, but proven, leadership to offer America eight solid years of transformational change.”