As the reality of recreational marijuana being legalized in the state becomes clearer, Florida Republicans are doing everything they can to make sure that November 5th results in striking it down. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has launched his “Florida Freedom Fund” political committee, which will campaign against the abortion and marijuana ballot initiatives.
Florida’s Republican Party formally opposed Amendment 3 earlier this year, the amendment that would legalize recreational marijuana. Amendment 4 seeks to protect abortion rights up until viability.
Governor DeSantis has already expressed his disapproval of both amendments, but now his new political committee is determined to campaign against the amendments.
Reports indicate that the Florida Freedom Fund was quietly launched last month with James Uthmeier, Governor DeSantis’ chief of staff, serving as the official chair.
Uthmeier also worked as the campaign manager for Governor DeSantis’ presidential bid.
Aside from campaigning against the amendments, the Florida Freedom Fund is also reportedly getting involved in upcoming school board races.
Taryn Fenske, a spokesperson for the governor, commented on the political committee, saying that “as Governor Ron DeSantis continues to lead our great state, the Florida Freedom Fund will be championing issues and candidates committed to preserving Floridians’ freedom.” “From up and down ballot races to critical amendments, we’re steadfast in our mission to keep Florida free,” Fenske added.
Governor DeSantis has called both amendments as “radical” and “extreme,” anticipating that voters will not support them in November. However, there has been no major opposition to the amendments and instead only lawmakers have shared that they will be opposing the amendments on November 5th.
Florida Senator Rick Scott (R) recently shared that he would be voting against the legalization of recreational marijuana because of how it affected his brother.
In 2016, medical marijuana was adopted with 71% of Floridians voting in favor of it while 29% voted against it.
