FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. _ Buoyed by a presidential endorsement, Congressman Ron DeSantis emerged victorious Tuesday in the Republican primary for governor, a contest that pitted the Trump-backed candidate against a longtime Florida politician who made his Sunshine State credentials the central part of his campaign.
DeSantis bested Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, according to The Associated Press.
In a break with precedent, President Donald Trump put his weight into the GOP primary, holding a rally in Tampa to support DeSantis' campaign. Voters answered the call. His victory will pit him against the Democratic nominee.
Trump tweeted his support for DeSantis twice on Monday and also delivered a recorded phone message to GOP voters.
DeSantis has an Ivy League education, holding degrees from Yale University and Harvard Law School. He served in the U.S. Navy as an officer in the Judge Advocate General's Corps, earning a Bronze Star. He was first elected to the U.S. Congress in 2012 and represents a district that includes the Daytona Beach area.
DeSantis has vowed to continue the economic progress he credits to outgoing Gov. Rick Scott, who is seeking to unseat incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in the Nov. 6 general election. He supports tighter restrictions on illegal immigration and champions the Second Amendment.
Trump's endorsement and DeSantis' frequent appearances on Fox News made an impression on South Florida voters.
Joe Luip, 67, a retired baker living in Coconut Creek, said he got to know DeSantis from his appearances on Fox News.
"Anybody who Trump feels positive with, I would go with." he said.
DeSantis won despite Putnam outspending him 2-to-1 and securing endorsements from influential Florida groups. Nearly 50 sheriffs endorsed Putnam, along with key business organizations, such as the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
Putnam, 44, made "Florida First" his campaign's motto, seeking to highlight his long career of public service. He spoke at barbecues in bluejeans and cowboy boots and delivered his stump speech at small-town events, such as the Wausau Possum Festival.
In 1996, at age 22, the University of Florida graduate became the youngest person ever elected to the Florida House of Representatives. He then spent 10 years in Washington serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. He easily won two terms as Agriculture commissioner in 2010 and 2014.
Putnam accused his opponent of basking in the television lights, instead of trying to connect with Floridians one-on-one.
That message had appeal for some GOP voters. Michael Fox, 60, a resident of Loxahatchee in Palm Beach County, said Trump's endorsement wasn't enough to steer him away from Putnam.
"He's a Florida boy," Fox said. "He wants to take care of Florida. Putnam's been here all of his life."
Judy Morales, who works in sales and lives in Coconut Creek, said she cast her ballot for DeSantis because she "wants to help Trump get things accomplished."
"I want to help Trump get things accomplished," said Morales, who decided on DeSantis after the president's endorsement.
