Former President Donald Trump is escalating his feud with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis by endorsing a ‘MAGA‘ candidate to challenge Rep. Laurel Lee, who backed DeSantis’s presidential bid.
Trump’s call for a challenger was posted on Truth Social late Sunday, targeting Lee, the sole Republican from Florida’s delegation who endorsed DeSantis for president in April 2023.
Although Lee later supported Trump after DeSantis withdrew from the race, Trump remains unsatisfied.
Former Florida State Rep. Jackie Toledo quickly responded to Trump’s call, expressing her willingness to contest against Lee. However, no official candidate has filed paperwork for the Republican primary against Lee, leaving the opportunity open for potential challengers.
The 15th Congressional District of Florida, encompassing eastern Tampa, traditionally leans Republican, giving hope to any ‘MAGA’ candidate entering the race. Lee won her 2023 bid comfortably, securing 59% of the vote against her Democratic opponent.
Beyond political endorsements, the animosity between Trump and Lee stems from her past role as Florida Secretary of State under DeSantis.
Following the 2020 election, Trump pressured Lee and DeSantis to conduct an audit of the state’s votes, prompting resistance from Lee and resulting in threats against her.
Rep. Thomas Massie criticized the former president’s call for Lee’s challenge, deeming it “unhelpful and unwarranted.” Massie defended Lee’s conservative credentials and condemned Trump’s “bullying tactics.”
The ongoing spat adds a layer of intrigue to Florida’s political landscape, with the Republican Party witnessing internal divisions fueled by loyalty to either Trump or DeSantis.
As the deadline for candidate filings approaches, the race in Florida’s 15th Congressional District remains unpredictable, reflecting broader tensions within the GOP.
