A longtime California Congressman is beginning to publicly support a presidential candidate.
Rep. Tom McClintock (R–Elk Grove) is endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over former president Donald Trump.
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The backstory: McClintock first signaled his support for DeSantis last November shortly after the midterm elections on an appearance on KMJ with Fresno City Councilman Garry Bredefeld.
- DeSantis, who has been long-rumored to run, appears closer to making it official as he traveled to Iowa last week.
- The Florida Governor swung through California a couple weeks ago in Orange County to promote his new book.
What they’re saying: When asked by the San Francisco Chronicle during the California Republican Party convention over the weekend, McClintock stayed steady with his support from last November.
- “I’m leaning towards DeSantis,” McClintock said. “He offers all of Donald Trump’s policies without the drama.”
What we’re watching: It appears that McClintock is the first California Congressional representative to break from Trump and endorse DeSantis, although more could soon follow.
- Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R–Richvale) declined to endorse a candidate during the event, telling the publication that he is undecided after backing Trump in the previous two cycles.
