Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke in Midland today at a GOP breakfast fundraiser hosted by the Midland County Republicans.
During his speech, DeSantis branded himself as someone who delivers results and highlighted his record of putting parent's first when it comes to their child's education, cracking down on school curriculum and making Florida a place where "woke goes to die."
DeSantis made a case to Midland County Republicans as someone having a strong record of defeating Democrats and that many in the GOP sat like “potted plants” in an effort to win elections in the 2022 midterms.
"I think what we showed in Florida is that if you show bold leadership, if you pursue a bold agenda, you can beat these people. We’ve beaten them in the state of Florida," said DeSantis.
The Florida Governor hasn't officially declared a run for the White House, but is considered the greatest threat to grabbing the Republican nomination from Donald Trump in 2024.
DeSantis told the Midland crowd he doesn't chase poll results and they only represent a small snapshot in time. A recent Quinnipiac poll shows Trump leading DeSantis in a head-to-head matchup by double digits.
And though he didn’t say the words Donald Trump during his remarks in Midland, DeSantis criticized the Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, who recently charged the former president with 34 felony counts of bookkeeping fraud.
"They’re weaponizing the prosecutorial power to advance a political agenda. Maybe it’s targeting a politician they don’t like. Maybe it’s criminals roam free, but it’s not about your safety. It’s not about the rule of law," said DeSantis.
State and local leaders addressed the crowd of roughly 600 before DeSantis took the stage. They applauded several of his policies and framed his work as a direct contrast to recent policies passed in Lansing.
Statehouse Republicans criticized Governor Gretchen Whitmer's handling of the pandemic and accused Democrats of making Michigan less business friendly after the recent repeal of right-to-work.
"We can use some of the sunshine state mojo" said State Representative Bill Schuette, R-Midland. "We need a course correction," said Schuette, after calling for the elimination of the Michigan State Board of Education.
Dozens gathered outside of the Great Hall Banquet & Convention Center in protest of the Florida governor's visit, holding up signs and waving at cars while screaming phrases like "fascist" or "blood on your hands." All protesting remained peaceful.
