Trump's candidate for Kentucky governor trounced DeSantis' last-minute endorsement, so Trump gloated 'Ron's magic is GONE!'
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Katie Balevic
May 18, 2023, 01:44 IST
Former President Donald Trump speaks during an event at his Mar-a-Lago home on November 15, 2022 in Palm Beach, Florida.Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Donald Trump is celebrating an endorsement victory in the Kentucky GOP gubernatorial primary.
Trump-backed Daniel Cameron won the nomination. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' endorsement came in third.
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Donald Trump notched a victory after his endorsement swept in the Kentucky gubernatorial primary, and the former president is loudly celebrating the change in his endorsement tides.
Kentucky Attorney General secured a comfortable win in the Republican primary on Tuesday, far outpacing a competitor endorsed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has become Trump's nemesis in the 2024 race for the White House.
"Congratulations to a 'star' in Kentucky, Daniel Cameron, who easily won the Republican Nomination for Governor. He had my Complete and Total Endorsement," Trump posted on Truth Social. "The DeSanctimonious backed candidate came in a DISTANT third. Ron's magic is GONE!"
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron speaks to supporters following his victory in the Republican primary in Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley
A spokesperson from DeSantis' office did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
DeSantis wasn't the only Republican to get behind Craft. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas also stumped for her before the primary, The Hill reported.
DeSantis faced a second gut punch in his own state when his endorsement for Jacksonville mayor lost to a Democrat. Donna Deegan's win provides a major boost to Florida Democrats after the DeSantis-led drubbings they have endured at the ballot box.
Trump didn't hesitate to make sure DeSantis felt that sting, doubling down on Truth Social.
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"DeSanctimonious lost Jacksonville and Kentucky last night. Not good!!!" Trump posted.
In November, Cameron will face off against popular Democratic incumbent Gov. Andy Beshear. The contest is expected to be one of the most closely watched elections in this off-year cycle before next year's presidential race.
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