DeSantis Campaign: Overspending, Resignations, and Dysfunction

Never Back Down, the super PAC behind Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign, is in the spotlight following reports of internal dysfunction, lackluster polls, and resignations.

“Strain and Struggles”: A report from The Hill (Center bias) highlighted “strains and struggles” within DeSantis’ campaign operation. A top strategist at Never Back Down resigned over the weekend following an exposé published in the Washington Post (Lean Left bias). The PAC has gone through three CEOs in a month, and now the Campaign Legal Center is alleging that DeSantis and the PAC violated federal campaign finance laws.

Mercenary Army: The Daily Beast (Left bias) analyzed the “collapse” of Never Back Down, painting a picture of ego and overspending. The article determined some remaining staffers are simply there to collect checks until the campaign ends, with some looking to jump ship in favor of Donald Trump’s campaign. Comparing Never Back Down staffers to Trump staffers, a Trump ally argued that DeSantis “brought a mercenary army to a holy war.”

An Unusual Campaign: A piece in the Washington Examiner (Lean Right bias) outlined the unique nature of the super PAC, which is far more involved in DeSantis’ campaign process than typical elections. While typical PACs primarily contribute to campaigns in the form of advertisements, Never Back Down is a “regular part of the presidential infrastructure,” involved in door-knocking, campaign events, and more. The result of this strong link is that the internal turmoil and public-facing dysfunction within the PAC are more closely tied to DeSantis.