Donald Trump solicits primary challengers to Rep. Laurel Lee

by | Mar 25, 2024



Former President Donald Trump is soliciting Republicans to challenge Florida Rep. Laurel Lee, who endorsed Gov. Ron DeSantis for president.


Former President Donald Trump is seeking primary challengers to Florida Congressional Representative Laurel Lee, the lone member of the state’s delegation to endorse Gov. Ron DeSantis for president.

Trump, the expected Republican nominee for the 2024 General Election, took to Truth Social late Sunday night querying potential successors to Lee, though did not disclose the basis for his post. Any inquiry submitted by The Capitolist to Trump’s campaign was not immediately answered.

“Any great MAGA Republicans looking to run against Laurel Lee in Florida’s 15th Congressional District?,” Trump posted. “IF SO, PLEASE STEP FORWARD!”

Lee, who served as Secretary of State at the state level under DeSantis, won election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022 and serves Congressional District 15. Obtaining 41.5 percent of the vote, Lee defeated former lawmakers Kelli Stargel and Jackie Toledo in the party primary, out-fundraising and outspending her opponents. Lee ultimately defeated journalist Alan Cohn to secure her place in Washington’s lower chamber.

Following Trump’s post, Toledo made evident that she would be open to running against Lee once again, stating on X that she is “ready to serve.”

“Great MAGA Republican answering the call and ready to serve,” she said, posting a picture wearing Trump memorabilia from the 2020 Presidential election.

Lee endorsed DeSantis last April, becoming the only lawmaker within Florida’s Congressional Delegation to do so. Her endorsement came shortly before the governor formalized his presidential campaign, but was made in the wake of Florida-based federal lawmakers backing Trump, including Reps. Cory Mills, Matt Gaetz, and Anna Paulina Luna. Once DeSantis suspended his campaign, however, Lee backed Trump, contending that she has “great faith in the leadership and proven track record” of the Former President.

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