Title: Trump Adviser Susie Wiles Returns to Republican Orbit, Irking Governor DeSantis
Subtitle: Falling out between DeSantis and Wiles resurfaces amidst Florida’s Republican primary race
Date: [Insert Date]
One of Donald Trump’s top advisers, Susie Wiles, who previously worked for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, has reentered the Republican political sphere, causing tension within the party. Wiles played a significant role in delivering Florida for Trump in 2016 and leading Rick Scott’s successful gubernatorial campaign. Her return to the spotlight comes as Florida’s Republican presidential primary approaches.
Wiles’ expertise and contributions were very much visible in stabilizing Governor DeSantis’ operation and navigating his narrow victory over Democrat Andrew Gillum in 2018. However, a noticeable falling out between Wiles and DeSantis occurred in 2019 when, in response to the governor’s request, she was ousted from Trump’s 2020 campaign and faced pressure to leave Ballard Partners, one of Florida’s most prominent lobbying firms. The decision angered DeSantis, yet Trump later brought Wiles back into his circle just months before his re-election campaign.
Florida’s Republican presidential primary is scheduled for March 19, following the early states and Super Tuesday. Despite this, it holds significant importance due to its winner-take-all nature, potentially providing the victor with a crucial advantage in securing the party’s nomination.
Meanwhile, another key figure entering the fray is Arlene Hughes, who has spent the past eight years working alongside Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and rose to the position of chief administrative officer for the city. Curry, a former Republican Party of Florida chair, left office due to term limits. Although Republicans hoped to retain the position, Democrat Donna Deegan surprisingly emerged victorious in May, defeating the GOP-endorsed candidate supported by Governor DeSantis.
During the closing stages of the campaign, Governor DeSantis noticeably abstained from participating in any events alongside Republican contender Daniel Davis. This decision has raised eyebrows among Jacksonville Republicans, leading to speculation about underlying tensions within the party.
As Florida’s Republican primary draws nearer, the return of Susie Wiles and the emergence of Arlene Hughes have added further intrigue to an already tightly contested race. With Governor DeSantis exerting his influence, the outcome of this primary and its potential impact on the national nomination will be closely observed by pundits and voters alike.