Top DeSantis Strategist Jumps Sinking Ship!

A top strategist for a super PAC linked to GOP presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis departed Saturday night in the wake of a damning report detailing the tumultuous inner workings of the super PAC.

Jeff Roe announced his decision in a statement shared on social media late Saturday, hours after The Washington Post published an article detailing dysfunction in the DeSantis super PAC.

“I cannot in good conscience stay affiliated with Never Back Down given the statements in the Washington Post today,” Roe said.

The Washington Post shared a series of leaked statements from Never Back Down that discussed allegations of “mismanagement and conduct issues, including numerous unauthorized leaks containing false information,” that led to the termination of some senior officials.

Roe’s resignation follows a series of departures of numerous senior members who have been fired or resigned in recent months. These departures included Chris Jankowski, the now-former CEO of Never Back Down (NBD), who stepped down last month, citing the PAC’s environment. Former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt (R), who previously served as chairman of the super PAC, also stepped down earlier this month and said he needs to return his time and attention to his family and law practice.

While super PACs like NBD are legally barred from directly coordinating with campaigns, multiple people familiar with DeSantis’s political network told The Associated Press (AP) that he and his wife discussed concerns about the PAC’s messaging amid the Florida governor’s low poll numbers in Iowa.

In a statement to the press, DeSantis communications director Andrew Romeo said the campaign had full confidence in the “independent efforts” of NBD to support DeSantis.

“We have full confidence in the NBD ground game and field operation, which is second to none. There is a stellar team in place, and we appreciate their independent efforts to fight for Ron DeSantis,” Romeo said.

Former President Trump, who continues to maintain a wide lead over DeSatnis and other GOP primary presidential candidates, reacted to Roe’s resignation on social media, writing on Truth Social, “Jeff Roe is out — GAME OVER for DeSanctimonious!”