New reports detail how DeSantis outsourced his campaign to a super PAC
Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign spent more of its funds on travel and staff than on ads in 2023, according to a new fundraising report.
New fundraising reports detail just how extensively Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis outsourced his unsuccessful presidential campaign to an aligned super PAC, leaning on the outside group to shoulder much of the cost of organizing and advertising.
The super PAC, Never Back Down, spent a whopping $131 million in 2023, more than four times the $28.2 million the DeSantis campaign spent last year, according to a new fundraising report filed Wednesday night with the Federal Election Commission.
While super PACs typically spend millions on advertisements because they can raise an unlimited amount of money, Never Back Down also led the pro-DeSantis organizing effort on the ground, focusing much of its efforts on Iowa.
The group shelled out $23 million on canvassing and field operation. DeSantis’ own campaign did not list any standalone expenditures for canvassing or field operations in 2023.
In December, Never Back Down had 88 staffers on its payroll, while DeSantis’ campaign had 51 people on staff that month. Never Back Down staffers were often spotted at events wearing embroidered zip-up jackets, and the group reported spending more than $9,000 on jackets in late September and early October.
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