Ron DeSantis, the Republican presidential candidate and governor of Florida, is undergoing a campaign overhaul with the appointment of a new campaign manager. James Uthmeier, previously chief of staff in DeSantis’ state office, will now manage the campaign, succeeding Generra Peck. Peck, who previously led DeSantis’ re-election efforts before taking over his presidential campaign, will move into a strategist role.
“James Uthmeier has been one of Governor DeSantis’ top advisors for years and is needed where it matters most: working hand-in-hand with Generra Peck and the rest of the team to put the governor in the best possible position to win this primary and defeat Joe Biden. David Polyansky will also be a critical addition to the team given his presidential campaign experience in Iowa and work on Never Back Down,” campaign spokesman Andrew Romeo said in a statement . “We’re excited about these additions as we continue to spread the governor’s message across the country. It’s time to reverse our nation’s decline and revive America’s future.”
The move follows recent significant personnel changes in the DeSantis campaign, including the firing of nearly a third of the staff in late July due to financial strains.
Before joining DeSantis, Uthmeier was part of the Trump administration, serving under U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. His contribution to efforts to introduce a citizenship question on the 2020 census was later scrutinized by a Democratic congressional committee.
In another key appointment, David Polyansky, formerly of the pro-DeSantis super PAC Never Back Down, will become deputy campaign manager. Romeo emphasized the importance of Polyansky’s addition, noting his extensive experience in Iowa, a state that has become a vital testing ground for the DeSantis campaign. Polyansky has a rich political history, having been involved in the 2016 presidential bids of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. He also played instrumental roles in Joni Ernst’s 2014 Senate victory in Iowa and in the triumph of Mike Huckabee during the 2008 Iowa Republican presidential caucuses.
Polyansky recently accompanied DeSantis to events in Iowa supporting Never Back Down. He was also present at an engagement where DeSantis represented Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, showcasing Never Back Down’s independent operations separate from DeSantis’ official campaign.
The Messenger first reported those campaign staff shifts on Tuesday.
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