The 2024 Republican presidential primary race continues to grow, and another Florida lawmaker could be joining the race. President Donald Trump (R) and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) both hail from Florida, as does Miami Mayor Francis Suarez,who could, however, be joining the 2024 race soon.
Mayor Suarez has built up popularity in South Florida by welcoming technological advances. So much so that the Mayor says he’s accepting his city salary in Bitcoin.
Should he enter the 2024 race, Mayor Suarez has a history with both Trump and DeSantis. In the 2018 midterm election, Suarez did not vote for DeSantis and instead voted for Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum (D). Similarly, in the 2020 election, Suarez did not vote for Trump.
While Suarez has not commented on his intention to run, recent decisions point to him making an announcement soon. Talk of Suarez possibly running for president began to swirl as early as 2021.
Suarez has directed City Hall staffers to join a campaign team while steering political contributions to a federal super PAC. This week, Suarez is expected to take part in a fundraiser at the riverfront Kimpton EPIC Hotel, where invited guests are making a “suggested contribution” of $10,000 a couple according to the Miami Herald.
An invitation to the event indicates that it is sponsored by America for Everyone, which is a super PAC that raised over $6 million last year.
According to public records, Suarez has also given five City Hall staffers unpaid leave until the end of August. This is because the staffers are expected to join Suarez’ presidential campaign.
The news comes the same week that Governor DeSantis' approval rating appears to take a significant hit. DeSantis' approval rating has taken a 19 point nose dive, which places President Trump as the GOP frontrunner despite Trump carrying a disapproval rating of 57% in Civiq's rating. In a FiveThirtyEight poll, Trump has the lead over DeSantis with 34 points ahead. Similarly, the Morning Consult also indicated that Trump is in the lead.
