Array
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is facing criticism from former President Donald Trump and others after losing a pivotal race in his home state, as Jacksonville, Florida, fell into the hands of a Democrat mayor Tuesday.
“Congratulations to a ‘star’ in Kentucky, Danial Cameron, who easily won the Republican Nomination for Governor. He had my Complete and Total Endorsement. The DeSanctimonious backed candidate came in a DISTANT third,” Trump said the morning after Election Day.
“Ron’s magic is GONE! He also lost, shockingly, in Jacksonville last night (Mayor),” he added:
Indeed, in Jacksonville, neither Republican Daniel Davis nor Democrat Donna Deegan was able to pass the 50 percent threshold in the last election, leading to Tuesday’s runoff race. However, Deegan emerged victorious, flipping the position to Democrat leadership, with four points separating the two.
Throughout the campaigns, crime emerged as a primary issue, as David and Republicans attempted to showcase Deegan’s soft on crime positions.
“‘Defund Donna’ is soft on crime, wants higher taxes and is wholly unprepared to handle the city’s $1.5 billion budget. Jacksonville needs a real Mayor – not a media activist like Deegan who pretends to be one on TV,” the Republican Party of Duval County said in March.
“Defund Donna” is soft on crime, wants higher taxes and is wholly unprepared to handle the city’s $1.5 billion budget. Jacksonville needs a real Mayor – not a media activist like Deegan who pretends to be one on TV.
Republican Party of Duval County (@DuvalGOP) March 22, 2023
A Republican ad also showcased Deegan’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement, in which she stated that she attended “every one of those Black Lives Matter protests.” Deegan, a Democrat, dismissed the ad as “divisive” and “racially insensitive.”
Meanwhile, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters made it clear he endorsed Davis.
“My decision to support a law and order candidate like Daniel Davis stems from his commitment to giving officers the resources they need to fight crime, not defunding them,” he said.
The local race was closely watched. Even Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) traveled to the area over the weekend to promote the Republican candidates.
Thank you @SenRickScott for joining us today to support our candidates! Cast your ballot for @DanielDavisFL and our Republican ticket! #jaxpol #flapol pic.
