Former State Representative and U.S. Congress hopeful Anthony Sabatini (R-FL) posted a picture of himself with former President Donald Trump (R) and accused his 2024 Republican primary opponent – Representative Daniel Webster (R-FL) – of lying about receiving Trump’s endorsement.
“FACT: My opponent RINO Dan Webster has NEVER been endorsed by President Trump – not in this election, or in any past election. He’s actually one of the only Republicans in Florida that Trump has REFUSED to endorse each election. Recently, Webster has been desperately putting out FALSE ads implying he has the support of Trump. We need to elect someone that will fight for Trump’s America First agenda – which is why I’m running to be your Congressman,” wrote Sabatini.
That statement appears to not be true. Politico first reported that Trump and Webster endorsed each other in May of 2023, and the former President approached Webster first. The Floridian also covered Webster’s use of the Official Team Trump “Seal of Approval” in campaign text messaging.
“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.
Furthermore, Webster showed his gratitude for Trump’s 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!”
Moreover, in a December 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.”
Finally, Lake County GOP Committeeman Ralph Smith says he not only heard Trump endorse Webster, but Sabatini did as well. Smith addressed Sabatini’s post concerning whether Webster received Trump’s endorsement with a social media post of his own.
“The below statement by [Anthony Sabatini] is a complete fabrication. I heard Trump’s endorsement of Webster as did Sabatini,” said Smith.
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.
During the hotly contested 2022 Republican primary race in Florida's 7th Congressional District, Sabatini endured a crushing and embarrassing 18-point loss to now-Rep. Cory Mills after engaging in a scorched earth campaign laidened with personal attacks. To date, Sabatini has all but lost ever single congressional endorsement he received in 2022 and every single one of Florida's congressional delegation has vowed not to support his efforts to unseat Rep. Webster, or anyone he will challenge in the future.
The Florida Republican primaries will take place on August 20th.
