Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is also running for the Republican presidential nomination, is cutting more than a third of his campaign staff in an effort to reinvigorate his primary bid. The cuts will result in the elimination of 38 positions across various departments, including event planning and the recent departures of two senior campaign advisers.
According to campaign manager Generra Peck, these cuts are part of a larger effort to streamline operations and ensure DeSantis is in the best position to win the primary and defeat President Joe Biden. The campaign has already raised $20 million in the second quarter of this year, but concerns over finances have prompted the need for a leaner operation.
Recent federal filings show that the campaign had over 90 staffers on its payroll as of June. However, the campaign has acknowledged overspending in certain areas and the need for further adjustments. Plans are underway to reposition DeSantis as an insurgent underdog and reduce costs by hosting smaller, more intimate events and cutting down on travel expenses.
While some aides will be leaving the campaign, they are expected to continue supporting DeSantis through an outside pro-DeSantis group. In an effort to tighten its belt, the campaign has named Carl Sceusa as its chief financial officer and chief technology officer.
In addition to the staff cuts, the campaign has made other staff changes, including appointing Ethan Eilon as deputy campaign manager, Cody Hall as senior communications advisor, and elevating Andrew Romeo to communications director.
These developments demonstrate the campaign's commitment to addressing financial concerns and optimizing its operations. As the campaign enters an important month, DeSantis aims to position himself as a strong candidate for the nomination and a leader of the "Great American Comeback." The success of these efforts remains to be seen.