Kevin Stitt, the governor of Oklahoma, throws a wrench into the 2024 GOP presidential primary by endorsing Ron DeSantis, a strong challenger to front-runner Donald Trump. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt formally backed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for the party’s presidential candidacy in 2024, altering the Republican primary field in the process. Stitt’s support comes as DeSantis works to establish himself as a viable opponent to the front-runner, former President Donald Trump.
According to regional media, Governor Stitt officially declared his allegiance to the other Republican governor during a campaign event in Tulsa.
Ron DeSantis Is Well Loved By The People
The 50-year-old Governor, that had previously supported Trump in the 2020 presidential race, had gotten Trump’s support for both of his gubernatorial campaigns in 2018 and 2022.
Stitt praised Florida Governor in a statement to Fox News, describing him as a “tough conservative and ethical leader.” He praised DeSantis in particular for how he handled the COVID-19 outbreak, emphasizing how he refused to give up individual liberty and state sovereignty to what he called “groupthink.”
Stitt emphasized DeSantis’ steadfast resolve and adherence to Oklahoma values, saying, “During this election season, Oklahomans will keep in mind that DeSantis was one among the few that never backed down even in spite of hardship since DeSantis operated with plagued conviction as well as shared our values for a small government and an independent country.”
Another big display of support for DeSantis in Oklahoma was followed by the endorsement from the governor of Oklahoma. Twenty Oklahoma state lawmakers also backed DeSantis ahead of his Tulsa campaign event the day before Stitt’s announcement.
In a similar vein, DeSantis sided with Stitt on the subject and approved his own 6-week abortion prohibition in Florida this past April.
