Florida’s largest police union endorses DeSantis for president after backing Trump in 2020
In a surprising turn of events, Florida’s largest police union has announced its endorsement of Governor Ron DeSantis for president in the upcoming 2024 election. This comes after the organization backed former President Donald Trump in the 2020 election, highlighting a shift in their support for conservative candidates.
The Fraternal Order of Police
The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has long been a powerful voice for law enforcement officers across the state of Florida. With thousands of members, the FOP wields significant influence in political circles, particularly when it comes to endorsing candidates for public office.
Founded in 1915, the FOP is the world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, boasting over 356,000 members in more than 2,100 lodges across the United States. The FOP has a strong presence in Florida, with multiple lodges throughout the state.
Endorsement of DeSantis
The decision to endorse Governor Ron DeSantis for president marks a significant departure from the FOP’s previous support for Donald Trump. In a statement released by the organization, FOP President John Kazanjian cited DeSantis’s record on law enforcement issues as a key factor in their decision.
“Governor DeSantis has consistently shown his unwavering support for law enforcement officers in Florida,” said Kazanjian. “From signing legislation to increase penalties for attacks on police officers to advocating for police funding, Governor DeSantis has proven himself to be a true ally of law enforcement.”
The FOP’s endorsement is likely to carry weight among law enforcement officers and their supporters in Florida, who may view DeSantis as a strong advocate for their interests.
Reaction to the Endorsement
The FOP’s endorsement of DeSantis has been met with mixed reactions from politicians and the public alike. Supporters of the governor have hailed the endorsement as a validation of his commitment to law enforcement, while critics have raised concerns about the politicization of the police union.
Some have pointed to DeSantis’s controversial stances on issues such as immigration and gun control as reasons why the FOP’s endorsement may be troubling. However, others argue that DeSantis’s record on crime and public safety speaks for itself.
What This Means for DeSantis’s Campaign
The FOP’s endorsement could provide a significant boost to Governor DeSantis’s presidential campaign, particularly in Florida. As a key battleground state, Florida’s support could be crucial in securing the Republican nomination and ultimately winning the presidency.
DeSantis’s strong backing from law enforcement organizations like the FOP could help him appeal to voters who prioritize public safety and law enforcement issues. With crime rates on the rise in many parts of the country, DeSantis’s emphasis on law and order may resonate with a broad range of voters.
Conclusion
The Fraternal Order of Police’s endorsement of Governor Ron DeSantis for president marks a significant development in the 2024 election cycle. With their support, DeSantis could gain momentum in his bid for the White House, particularly among law enforcement officers and their supporters.
As the campaign unfolds, it will be interesting to see how DeSantis leverages the FOP’s endorsement to attract voters and build a coalition of supporters. With the backing of Florida’s largest police union, DeSantis may have a competitive edge in the crowded field of Republican candidates vying for the presidency.
