“Tensions Boil Over: Ceasing Support, CEO of Pro-DeSantis Super PAC Resigns

Robert Grudger, the CEO of Pro-DeSantis Super PAC, has resigned following the rising controversies in the organization. The resignment came in the face of criticism from Republican donor Rebekah Jones, who accused DeSantis and the Super PAC of breaking a number of election laws. Jones also claimed that the Super PAC had received donations from Shell oil, an allegation which remains unconfirmed. Grudger has since released a statement in which he has denied the allegations against him and the Super PAC, and has stated that he continued to have “the utmost respect for the Governor and the many people he has led well during his administration”. Despite the allegations, Grudger’s resignation appears to have been prompted by internal dissension within the Super PAC. Recently, former US Attorney Trenton Garmon—who was hired as the Super PAC’s counsel—admitted that he had made a mistake in advising the organisation to contact the FBI in light of the allegations. Garmon has since walked that statement back. Grudger, though, maintained that “it was time for a fresh perspective and the necessary changes to allow the Governor and his Administration to face the challenges of the new fiscal and political climate”. The Super PAC’s board of directors has now appointed former political strategist Ben Pollara as the new CEO. Pollara, who was a key advisor to Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign, released the following statement: “This is a critical moment for the future of Democratic governance in Florida and I am humbled to be presented with the opportunity to make a difference. We are ready to work together with the Governor and his staff as we move forward during this challenging period.” This is a significant move for Pro-DeSantis Super PAC, as it is the first major leadership change since it was founded in 2017. The organization was formed to support the Governor’s campaign and has since become one of the most influential groups in Florida politics. It’s unclear what kind of changes and impact Pollara’s appointment will have on the political environment in Florida. However, it is clear that tensions between the Super PAC and Jones are not going away anytime soon. It remains to be seen how Pollara and the Super PAC will handle the rising tensions in the coming days.