DeSantis predicts huge Republican midterm victories during Sarasota campaign stop
Republicans in Sarasota and Manatee counties are preparing to send a message to the rest of the state after hearing a fiery speech from Gov. Ron DeSantis Sunday evening.
With Florida’s state flag as a stage backdrop, DeSantis recounted the highlights of his first term in office to a passionate crowd near Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. He urged them to vote for Republicans on Tuesday to “keep Florida free.”
“I’m very excited. We have a great chance for historic victories all across the state. This should be fantastic,” DeSantis said. “If you already voted, try to get somebody else that’s not necessarily planning to vote. Drag somebody out to the polls. Let them know that we’re on a mission to keep Florida free.”
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DeSantis is seeking re-election against former Gov. Charlie Crist. Based on the state’s number of registered voters and the GOP’s early lead in ballots submitted ahead of Election Day, the governor predicts a decisive victory.
“I’m excited for Tuesday. I reckon there’s a lot of voters in Sarasota and Manatee counties that are going to go and storm those polls on election day,” said DeSantis.
But Republicans shouldn’t be content with victory alone, GOP leaders said. Unlike the 2018 election that saw Republicans take state and federal seats by slim margins, they said, voters should aim to make a strong statement with landslide wins.
GOP leaders predict major victory
“What we have to do is run up the score,” said Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s chief financial officer and a candidate for reelection.
“It’s not good enough to vote or come to a rally. You must get on the phone, text your friends and tell them why it’s important to protect this state. This victory has to be an overwhelming victory,” added Sarasota County Commissioner Christian Ziegler, who also serves as vice chairman of Florida’s GOP. “We have to take this state from the battleground column to the conservative column.”
In a wide-ranging speech, DeSantis recapped policies that won great support from the crowd, including school curriculum legislation, updated election laws and new rules that prevent transgender athletes from playing scholastic sports. About 1,000 people attended the governor’s campaign rally, according to event organizers.
The audience also cheered and waved signs as DeSantis bashed crime rates in other states, COVID-19 mandates and President Joe Biden’s administration.
“Here’s the problem I have with Biden. The problems we are suffering under — inflation, energy and the southern border — they’re problems he created,” DeSantis said.
Locals praise DeSantis
People in the crowd agreed.
“He kept us open throughout the pandemic, and he had the state build a bridge in less than a week,” said 43-year-old Sarasota resident Alisha Della Volpe, referring to the Florida Department of Transportation’s speedy repairs to the Sanibel Causeway. “He’s amazing.”
“He’s proven to be a true leader where others have failed,” said Rick Barnaba, 54, of Sarasota.
North Port resident Andrew Sias, 64, said the governor’s leadership in Florida has reignited his interest in politics.
“I actually came out because I’m excited that this is one of the few times I actually get to vote for someone, instead of just picking the lesser of two evils,” Sias said.
DeSantis’ Sarasota visit was part of his “Don’t Tread on Florida” campaign tour across the state. The governor planned 10 rallies across the state in the final days before Election Day on Nov. 8.
This story was originally published November 6, 2022 at 9:12 PM with the headline "DeSantis predicts huge Republican midterm victories during Sarasota campaign stop."
