Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters Wednesday that “people need to chill out about some of this stuff” when asked at a press conference about a “civil war” happening within the GOP.
DeSantis immediately mentioned the Georgia senate runoff in December, saying it is “very important for Republicans to win.” He also touted Florida as “the biggest bright spot” in a midterm election that was “not so bright in other parts of the country” for Republicans. DeSantis was reelected by almost 20 points against former GOP Gov.-turned Democrat Charlie Crist. His victory in Florida’s historically blue Miami Dade County highlighted the success of DeSantis and Florida Republicans at large.
JUST IN: Gov. Ron DeSantis asked about a “GOP Civil War”
“We just finished this election, ok? People just need to chill out a little bit on some of this stuff, I mean seriously […] We have this Georgia runoff coming, which is very important for Republicans to win.” pic.twitter.com/XduafoZJif
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) November 16, 2022
DeSantis followed up by categorizing the midterms as a “substandard performance given the dynamics that are at play” and he called for elected Republicans to take advantage of their midterm victories. DeSantis believes Republicans won a “historic victory” in Florida because “we lead, we delivered and we had your back when you needed us.”
The Florida governor has been floated as a potential challenger to former President Donald Trump for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. Multiple state level polls show him leading in a matchup against Trump and other Republican candidates. (RELATED: DeSantis Ahead of Trump In New National Poll)
His immediate focus following election night has been guiding Florida through Hurricane Ian, Politico reported. DeSantis announced an additional $8.7 million in Hurricane Ian recovery funds to assist emergency personnel and address workforce needs, Florida’s Voice News reported.
The Georgia runoff between Republican challenger Herschel Walker and Democratic incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock will take place Tuesday, Dec. 6.