Top adviser to Ron DeSantis’ super PAC resigns in critical moment for campaign
Jeff Roe, the top adviser to the super PAC supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential bid, has resigned “effective immediately.” This departure comes at a crucial time in the nominating calendar and adds to the high-profile departures within the organization.
Roe, a veteran Republican operative, announced his resignation on social media on Saturday following the publication of a story in the Washington Post. The story detailed the turmoil within the organization, with Never Back Down chairman and interim CEO Scott Wagner attributing recent departures of some of Roe’s top lieutenants to “numerous unauthorized leaks containing false information.” However, these claims were disputed by a lawyer for the employees.
The exit of Roe comes as DeSantis loyalists have taken control of the governor’s embattled political operation in the final weeks before the Iowa caucuses. This uncertainty regarding the extent of Never Back Down’s role raises questions about the future of the campaign and the super PAC’s responsibilities going forward.
While DeSantis and his wife continue to attend events hosted by Never Back Down, their campaign has expressed confidence in the Iowa ground operation built by the super PAC. However, the implosion of Never Back Down has become a cautionary tale against turning over the machinery of a political operation to an outside organization that cannot legally coordinate with a campaign.
The departure of Roe has been anticipated since last week, when his lieutenants were dismissed, and his role was further marginalized with the appointment of another longtime DeSantis adviser to oversee operations at Never Back Down.
Roe, in his social media post announcing his resignation, conveyed his continued support for DeSantis’ White House bid. “Governor DeSantis has been an exceptional governor and I hope he will be the 47th President of the United States. I wish the Governor, First Lady, and their entire team the best through the rest of the campaign,” Roe said.
The super PAC, Never Back Down, did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Roe’s departure. The future of the organization and its involvement in DeSantis’ campaign remain uncertain as the Iowa caucuses draw nearer.