Republican presidential hopeful, Ron DeSantis, has made a strategic change in his campaign team as the primary season intensifies.
DeSantis has appointed James Uthmeier, previously his chief of staff and a trusted conservative adviser, to spearhead his campaign. Uthmeier replaces Generra Peck, who will now serve as the campaign’s chief strategist. David Polyansky, known for his impressive track record in Iowa’s Republican presidential primaries, will join as the deputy campaign manager.
This reshuffling comes at a time when DeSantis is positioned as a strong second in the race, trailing only former President Donald Trump. Uthmeier, after taking a brief hiatus from his duties in the governor’s office, assessed the presidential campaign’s direction and is now set to implement necessary changes. He confidently stated that Governor DeSantis has consistently demonstrated his winning prowess, from his triumph over Adam Putnam to his significant victory against Charlie Crist. Uthmeier emphasized DeSantis’s fundraising achievements and the robust support from a super PAC with a substantial $100 million reserve.
Generra Peck lauded Uthmeier’s capabilities, describing him as the best in the business. While she acknowledged some past errors in her role as the campaign manager, she expressed gratitude for the appreciation of her candidness. An insider close to DeSantis praised Uthmeier’s leadership qualities, emphasizing his role in successfully managing the governor’s policy initiatives. The source expressed confidence in Uthmeier’s ability to support DeSantis in his quest to unseat Joe Biden from the presidency and reverse the nation’s perceived decline.
Uthmeier’s reputation in Florida’s political circles is that of a proactive conservative problem-solver. He has been instrumental in shaping many of the policies that have solidified DeSantis’s conservative brand. Before his political career, Uthmeier was an athlete at the University of Florida and later pursued law at Georgetown University Law Center. He has also served in the U.S. Senate and held significant roles in the Trump administration.
