The first Republican primary debate has come and gone. While political pundits discuss who had the best and worst showing in the night, one presidential hopeful who wasn’t present continues to be on the receiving end of criticism. No, it’s not President Donald Trump (R). Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R) slammed Miami Mayor Francis Suarez (R), asking him to drop out of the 2024 race.
Upon announcing his intention to run for the presidency, Suarez has struggled to gain footing. Rep. Gimenez was the first Republican to stand in opposition to Suarez, simply sharing that there wasn’t much to look forward to in a Suarez campaign.
After several controversies, which includes jumping the gun in announcing that he had qualified for the debate stage, Gimenez is urging Suarez to drop out of the presidential race.
In speaking to the Miami New Times, Gimenez was asked about the recent gaffe regarding Suarez’s debate qualification.
“Blame yourself, blame your organization, blame your tactics,” Gimenez said.
“That’s why you’re not on the debate stage, and blame also the fact that people don’t believe you,” Gimenez further expressed, suggesting that Suarez should “come back home, finish your term, and then see what you can do, which is not much.”
Suarez has made headlines for controversial reasons, which extend from him offering $20 gift cards to solicit donations to reach the debate qualifications to him announcing that would be taking the debate stage when he hadn’t qualified.
The announcement was refuted by the Republican National Committee, and Suarez released a statement, attempting to clarify the confusion.
Suarez has presented himself as a younger alternative with the appeal to bridge the divide between Republicans and Democrats. However, he has faced sharp criticism for not supporting Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis (R) in their respected races in the previous last 3 elections.
