New Florida GOP pick results in big 'win for Trump' as he and DeSantis battle for 2024 nomination

The Florida GOP elected a new leader with ties to former President Donald Trump over the weekend to lead the state's party as the 2024 presidential race approaches. 

The election of political consultant Christian Ziegler over Evan Power by a final tally of 126-100 signaled to DeSantis supporters that this was a "giant Florida win for Trump," according to Politico. 

Ziegler previously served as the party's vice chair, while Power led the Republican Party in Leon County. Ziegler, who replaced former party chair Joe Gruters after he opted not to seek reelection, will have Power serve as his vice chair. 

"While the results may not be what I personally wanted, the Republican Party is well positioned with a unified team that will work constantly to beat the Democrats in Florida," Power reportedly said.

This race could potentially foreshadow further divisions within a party still reeling from its presidential defeat in 2020, as some are seemingly sticking with Trump, while others are seeking a fresh face with new solutions. While Trump has announced his candidacy already, DeSantis remains undeclared, but is expected to throw his hat in the ring during the coming months. 

"Chair races across the country are and should be important for people running for president," a consultant familiar with the Trump campaign anonymously told Politico."To that extent, the more Trump candidate won today. That means the Trump campaign is likely pleased with the outcome."

A DeSantis adviser said, "Both of our guys won, and we look forward to working with them." 

Harmeet Dhillon, who supported Trump in the 2020 election and recently ran to be the Republican National Committee (RNC) chair said Ziegler's win was a win for the entire GOP. 

"I'm thrilled that Christian, who is respected by Republicans across the state and who has the confidence of so many conservative leaders, including elected officials, was elected as chair," Dhillon said in a statement to POLITICO.

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