Former President Donald Trump formally announced he’s making a third bid for the White House in 2024, but many of his former supporters are staying quiet about the prospect of another term. That includes several top Tennessee Republicans, who will not say whether they will back him.
In 2018 and 2022, Trump threw his support behind Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. But since Trump’s announcement, Lee has yet to comment on whether he’d do the same. Lee’s office did not return a request for comment on his support of Trump’s bid.
While at a Republican Governor’s Association meeting in Orlando, Lee was quoted by the Washington Post calling for a “degree of civility” amongst Republicans moving forward in order to win over voters.
Several other Tennessee Republicans contacted by WPLN News — from House Speaker Cameron Sexton to U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn to newly elected Congressman Andy Ogles — are staying tight-lipped on the subject.
But state Rep. Jason Zachary, R-Knox, is endorsing another Republican for the White House. Zachary tweeted last week that he was thankful for what Trump did, however believes the GOP needs a bold, decisive and unifying conservative leader. For him, that person is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
I’m thankful for what President Trump did for this country during his Presidency. However, 2 years of the below is not the path forward for victory in 2024.
The GOP does need a bold, decisive, proven, unifying conservative leader. That man is now @RonDeSantisFL. pic.twitter.com/DPFdrGVsNo— Rep. Jason Zachary (@JasonZacharyTN) November 9, 2022
DeSantis was just reelected to a second four-year term. But many believe he will make a run for president.
Elected Republicans in Utah are pushing for DeSantis to form an exploratory committee for President of the United States. That move would allow DeSantis to spend more than $5,000 of his campaign funds before openly declaring a bid.
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