In a bid to steady his floundering 2024 presidential campaign, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is facing significant challenges, including staff shakeups and financial difficulties. Recent developments have cast doubt on his ability to bounce back as a viable contender in the Republican primary race.

DeSantis' campaign has been grappling with internal turmoil, prompting the governor to initiate a major reset to salvage his chances. Several donors and allies have urged him to shift focus from his record in Florida to broader national issues, particularly those related to the economy. Acknowledging the importance of this shift, DeSantis is preparing to deliver a significant economic address next week, which will delve into topics such as inflation, China, US manufacturing, and energy policy.

The governor's team has been grappling with financial constraints, leading to a second round of staff cuts. Roughly two dozen jobs were eliminated recently, resulting in a total of 38 fewer staffers compared to just two weeks ago. This downsizing reflects the campaign's cash crunch and its impact on DeSantis' operational capacity in the crucial period leading up to the Iowa Republican caucus.

Internal disorder has also marred DeSantis' campaign, with a recent incident involving the dismissal of an aide. The staffer was let go after secretly creating and sharing a pro-DeSantis video featuring the governor alongside an ancient symbol appropriated by the Nazis, raising concerns and causing reputational damage.

One of the key elements of DeSantis' campaign messaging has been his electability against Joe Biden. However, recent polling data has challenged this claim, revealing that former President Donald Trump enjoys a substantial electability advantage over DeSantis among Republicans. A majority of Republicans consider Trump to be the stronger candidate against Biden, significantly overshadowing DeSantis' perceived appeal.

Furthermore, the campaign is struggling to generate grassroots enthusiasm, as small-dollar donations make up only 17% of its total fundraising, while 71% comes from donors contributing $2,000 or more. This lack of strong grassroots support signals potential challenges in mobilizing and energizing Republican voters.

The coming weeks will be critical for DeSantis' campaign, as he navigates the aftermath of staff cuts and seeks to regain traction amidst mounting obstacles. The governor faces an uphill battle in convincing voters of his electability and reestablishing his position as a serious contender in the crowded Republican primary race. As the Iowa Republican caucus approaches, DeSantis' ability to address these challenges will determine the trajectory of his presidential bid.

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DeSantis' campaign struggles, staff fired and financial challenges