DeSantis super PAC loses top strategist Jeff Roe: 'I cannot in good conscience stay affiliated'

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' 2024 presidential campaign strategist Jeff Roe departed the governor's super PAC following multiple other departures from the organization.

"I cannot in good conscience stay affiliated with Never Back Down given the statements in the Washington Post today. They are not true and an unwanted distraction at a critical time for Governor DeSantis. I am resigning my position effective immediately," Roe posted late Saturday evening on X, formerly Twitter. 

Roe left after The Washington Post published a story earlier in the day about tensions between Never Back Down and Roe's firm, which was a key architect of the PAC's strategy. 

The statements Roe was referring to were those sent to the Post "suggesting the group fired officials connected to Roe’s firm over 'mismanagement and conduct issues.'"

“They are not true and an unwanted distraction at a critical time for Governor DeSantis. I am resigning my position effective immediately,” he wrote.

"Governor DeSantis has been an exceptional governor and I hope he will be the 47th President of the United States. I wish the Governor, First Lady, and their entire team the best through the rest of the campaign," Roe also said.

Over recent weeks, DeSantis has taken more control over the super PAC, which has faced numerous personnel changes. For example, over approximately the past month, Never Back Down has had three CEOs, and including Roe, four top officials have resigned and three others were fired. 

DeSantis is in second place in the Republican primary with an average of 12.3% to former President Donald Trump's 62.4%, according to FiveThirtyEight. The first Republican nominating contest is set for Jan. 15 in Iowa. 

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