Former President Donald Trump (R) has traded endorsements with Representative Daniel Webster (R-FL) during the 2024 election cycle. Rep. Webster received the endorsement over his challenger, former State Representative Anthony Sabatini (R-FL), a staunch supporter of President Trump.
Sabatini currently serves as the Chairman of the Lake County Republican Party. His campaign website currently states that “we need strong conservative fighters like Donald J. Trump in Washington that will always put America first,” and includes a photo of himself with the former President as well.
According to Politico, Trump approached Webster first with a phone call to request his endorsement.
On his campaign website, Rep. Webster showcases his gratitude for the endorsement, saying, “I am grateful to have President Trump's support of my campaign! We need President Trump back in the White House to Make America Great!”
Additionally, Rep. Webster has immediately started to use the Official Team Trump “Seal of Approval” in his fundraising efforts.
In a text message to possible donors, his recent message says that he’s grateful to have President Trump’s support.
“Hi, it’s Rep. Daniel Webster. As you know, I’m supporting President Donald J. Trump and I am grateful to have his support of my campaign! You will notice my website and emails now feature the Official Trump Seal of Approval! We need President Trump back in the White House to Make America Great! Can President Trump and I count on your support as we battle the radical left?” the text says.
In a video obtained from the Webster campaign, Trump praised the Florida congressman for his endorsement and even called him a “handsome” man.
“We have a man that has really gotten to know me and I’ve gotten to know him a little bit over the last little period of time and he’s a handsome gentleman. And he’s here with us. Daniel Webster, congratulations to him,” said Trump. “It’s nice to know you a little bit better and we appreciate everything. You gave me a beautiful endorsement, I appreciated that endorsement.”
State Rep. Sabatini, who was dubbed "Florida's Biggest Loser" received some heat for being a registered Democrat during the 2008 and 2012 elections, while he didn't say if he voted for either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, he did say that he wrote in "JFK," according to The Floridian.
Furthermore, a week before the 2022 primary election for Florida’s 7th Congressional District, State Rep. Sabatini and his campaign received some flack for sending out a text attacking the wife of one of his congressional primary opponents.
The text attacked the current CD 7 Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) and his wife, calling her "radical" and "anti-Christian."
"RINO Cory Mills & his radical anti-Christian wife are lying about DeSantis-ally Anthony Sabatini," read the text in question.
While it is true that the Iraqi-American al Saadi was born of the Muslim faith, she took Jesuit studies courses in college and does not consider herself Muslim.
Mills' wife worked for the Trump administration in Iraq gathering intelligence.
