DeSantis racks up another presidential endorsement with campaign still undeclared

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday received the endorsement of a Republican congressional lawmaker, marking the latest in a string of prominent GOP endorsements for the as-yet-undeclared candidate.

Florida GOP Rep. Laurel Lee backed DeSantis on Tuesday, saying "[o]ur country is in crisis, and it is time Americans learn what Floridians already know: Ron DeSantis’s conservative principles, proven track record, and his commitment to our country are exactly what we need in a leader."

"As Ron DeSantis's Secretary of State, I had the honor of witnessing firsthand his unparalleled leadership under pressure, his character, and his commitment to core conservative principles," she asserted. "His leadership and his vision made Florida a shining beacon of freedom."

Lee served as Florida's secretary of state under DeSantis from 2019-2022 and later secured her congressional seat during the 2022 midterms. DeSantis, for his part, has not announced his candidacy for president, but is widely expected to do so. Polling data consistently shows him to be the most formidable Republican challenger to former President Donald Trump, who has declared his campaign already.

Lee's endorsement of DeSantis follows that of Kentucky GOP Rep. Thomas Massie earlier this month.

"America needs a leader who is decisive, respects the Constitution, understands policy, puts family first, and leads by inspiring," Massie said at the time.

Should the governor opt to join the race, he will face not just Trump, but former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, and tech mogul Vivek Ramaswamy. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott has also announced the formation of a committee to explore his own candidacy.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.