WASHINGTON — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his allies are starting to lay the groundwork for a presidential campaign in South Carolina, moving to build a political operation and court local leaders in a state likely to be fiercely competitive in the 2024 GOP presidential primary.
The efforts — coming before DeSantis even formally launches a White House bid — mark the first test of his political strength in South Carolina, as he attempts to make inroads in a state whose loyalties in next year’s primary could be split between a popular former governor, sitting U.S. senator and a former president.
“DeSantis is making the calls,” said Dave Wilson, a GOP strategist in South Carolina. “And he should be if he wants to build the groundswell of support he’s going to need in South Carolina.”
