Jacob Ogles
Adam Laxalt, a close political ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis, has resigned as Chairman of the Never Back Down super PAC.
The New York Times reported that Laxalt, a former Nevada Attorney General, had submitted a letter of resignation on Nov. 26.
“After nearly 26 straight months of being in a full-scale campaign, I need to return my time and attention to my family and law practice,” Laxalt wrote.
The departure removes a critical personal connection between DeSantis and the super PAC that long served to build the infrastructure for his presidential campaign. DeSantis and Laxalt were roommates when both were in the Navy.
Laxalt came on as Never Back Down’s Chair in April. That came after DeSantis actively campaigned for Laxalt last year when he ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate.
The relationship in recent weeks between DeSantis and Never Back Down, which by law must operate independently, has grown increasingly frayed.
The organization has continued to finance ads attacking former President Donald Trump and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, DeSantis’ chief rivals for the Republican nomination.
But just over a week ago, the super PAC’s CEO Chris Jankowski resigned and acknowledged internal conflicts.
Kristin Davison has since taken over as the organization’s executive.
More recently, another super PAC named Fight Right has surfaced that also appeared to be championing DeSantis. That super PAC is headquartered in Tallahassee and was founded by Florida allies to the Governor.
But that organization has focused on TV ads and marketing, while Never Back Down has focused on field work and door knocking.
The shake-up at Never Back Down comes weeks before the Jan. 15 Iowa caucuses. Indeed, Never Back Down plans to host events in Iowa this weekend with DeSantis headlining.
The first-in-the-nation competition awarding delegates for the nomination has been a chief priority for DeSantis. The contest will serve as a test whether the Florida Governor can perform against Trump, who for months has maintained a lead in Primary polls.
13 comments
Michael K
December 1, 2023 at 2:15 pm
Rats leaving a sinking ship. Buh bye, Rhonda.
Earl Pitts "Political Scientist Emeritus" American
December 1, 2023 at 5:21 pm
Relax your Sphincter’s America,
I, Earl Pitts American, will fill in with Sage Wisdom and Spot on Political Advice so these loosers won’t even be missed.
EPA
rick whitaker
December 1, 2023 at 7:35 pm
WARNING ⚠ TROLL COMMENT FROM EARL SPHINCTER
Marvin M.
December 1, 2023 at 3:03 pm
So … Laxalt backs down … from Never Back Down?
(I’ll see myself out)
Chris
December 1, 2023 at 4:01 pm
26 months of lying, manipulating and gaslighting about everything. Never Back Down is done, goodbye.
Joe
December 1, 2023 at 4:12 pm
Hey Tiny D… ya burnt!
Dont Say FLA
December 1, 2023 at 5:09 pm
Adam Laxalt is hereby declared the winner of the Newsome v Rhonda debate. Newsome mopped the floor with animatronic Dopey, but Laxalt is the clear winner here.
JK
December 2, 2023 at 1:42 am
Stop wetting yourself Newsome had a few good one liners but that’s it. He was caught bs’ing all night and lost on the data and on every topic.
Predators’ Party
December 2, 2023 at 6:48 am
Ate your lunch then he kicked your dog; of course you’re angry.
Dont Say FLA
December 2, 2023 at 11:02 am
Wait what happened? Maybe you saw a different debate than the rest of us.
Since that debate which Ron clearly lost by a LOT (sad) because Ron can only stand up to Women, Ron’s scored an endorsement from “Bob Vander Plaats, an evangelical leader in Iowa, but that gain has yet to move the dial. On the other hand, Haley just this week scored the endorsement of the Kochs’ political network” according to The Guardian.
Ron +1 Bob Vander Platts
Haley +2/both Koch Brothers
I would take “+2 Koch Bros” over “+1 Bob Vander Plants” every single day
Rhonda also lost both head honchos at his Never Bend Down back. They both abandoned.
Predators’ Party
December 2, 2023 at 6:47 am
DeSantis’ punch-drunk campaign on full display in debate with Newsom
Florida’s governor got clobbered attempting to debate California Gov. Gavin Newsom, the latest act of self-injury in a campaign full of them.
Sonja Fitch
December 2, 2023 at 9:25 am
Omg every day our Governor Desantis has to feel the rejection and dislike! Love it! Desantis is a damn bigot sexist creep! Love it watching him get kicked down low!
TJC
December 2, 2023 at 3:20 pm
“…I need to return my time and attention to my family…” Laxalt says, just like every politician who finds himself with a losing hand and wants people to think he’s leaving the game because he loves his family soooooo much. All of a sudden.
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