Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is embarking on a multistate fundraising tour with the aim of raising $10 million for former President Donald Trump. Despite their previous contentious primary race, DeSantis has now established a tentative truce with Trump.
“I believe we are determined to defeat Biden, and the governor is ready to set aside their differences,” shared a trusted advisor to DeSantis. “They have had several productive discussions, as recently as last week.”
Fundraising events are set to kick off in July and continue until September, according to a DeSantis adviser. The events will be held in various locations, including Texas, California, and Washington.
The strategy is to leverage the states where DeSantis already had strong donor networks during his own presidential campaign, enabling him to swiftly generate funds for Trump.
According to a DeSantis adviser, these projects are typically implemented in areas with already established infrastructure for similar purposes.
The funds raised will be utilized to finance media purchases in crucial swing states that have been specifically targeted by Trump’s political circle.
The fundraising events will be held for Right for America, a pro-Trump super PAC established in January. Ike Perlmutter, the former chairman of Marvel Entertainment at Disney and a well-known GOP rainmaker, leads the organization. Perlmutter has been a longstanding political supporter of both Trump and DeSantis. The Associated Press first reported this arrangement.
According to the wire service, Trump recently made a call to a donor event in South Florida that was hosted by DeSantis. During the call, Trump expressed his admiration for his former political rival.
“Ron, it’s great to have you back,” exclaimed Trump with a sense of genuine enthusiasm.
According to campaign finance reports, the committee has raised a total of $13 million, with $10.1 million contributed by Perlmutter and his wife, Laura.
According to a DeSantis adviser, the decision to seek help from Ike was a logical one due to his history of being helpful.
Anthony Lomangino, the chairman of Southern Waste Systems and a long-time donor to Donald Trump, has generously contributed $1 million to the super PAC.
A spokesperson for Perlmutter did not respond to a request for comment. However, they had previously stated to CNBC that Perlmutter was ready to make significant financial contributions to support Trump’s 2024 White House campaign.
The fundraisers demonstrate the recent improvement in the relationship between Trump and DeSantis. Once political allies, their friendship turned sour during the 2024 Republican presidential primary. Trump had previously endorsed DeSantis’ 2018 gubernatorial campaign.
In April, DeSantis expressed his willingness to raise funds for Trump’s presidential campaign during a private event with supporters and donors. A few weeks later, he had breakfast with Trump at a golf club in South Florida, and the two have maintained regular communication ever since.
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