Gov. Ron DeSantis launched the Florida Freedom Fund last month, a political committee chaired by his Chief of Staff James Uthmeier, to challenge ballot initiatives on abortion access and marijuana legalization, according to Politico.

Gov. Ron DeSantis established a new political committee, the Florida Freedom Fund, last month, aimed at challenging ballot initiatives on abortion access and marijuana legalization, as reported by Politico on Monday.

The committee, chaired by James Uthmeier, DeSantis’ Chief of Staff and former Campaign Manager, will help fund efforts to defeat the amendments in November, both of which have substantial financial support and strong polling numbers. DeSantis has previously criticized both measures.

A Fox News poll published on Thursday shows strong support for the ballot initiatives, indicating both are likely to pass in November.

The poll found that 66 percent of voters support Amendment 3, which would legalize marijuana for adults aged 21 and older, while 32 percent oppose it. Support spans across political affiliations, with 76 percent of Democrats, 71 percent of independents, and 57 percent of Republicans in favor.

Amendment 4, aimed at establishing the right to an abortion up until fetal viability, has even stronger backing, according to the poll, with 69 percent of voters support this measure. 27 percent oppose it. The amendment was found to have 90 percent support from Democrats, 70 percent from independents, and a more divided response from Republicans, with 50 percent in favor and 45 percent against.

In addition to opposing the amendments, the DeSantis’ committee will also participate in school board races across the state. This strategy mirrors DeSantis’ previous efforts to influence non-partisan school board elections, successfully reshaping boards in counties like Miami-Dade and Sarasota ahead of the 2022 elections, according to Politico.