On Monday, State Auditor Andrew Sorrell announced his endorsement for Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), an unannounced but likely Republican presidential candidate in 2024.

"Ron DeSantis is a principled conservative and a bold leader, and we need him to be our GOP nominee for President of the United States in 2024," he said in a statement accompanying the announcement. "Not only is DeSantis the politician most likely to win back the presidency for the Republicans, but he is also the best person in America at implementing the Republican Party platform into public policy. He is proof that the ideas and beliefs Republicans hold dear are broadly appealing to the voter base and overwhelmingly popular when implemented correctly. As Rush Limbaugh used to say, 'conservatism works every time it's tried.' The problem with most Republicans is they don't fight as hard as the Democrats do for what they believe, but DeSantis never backs down. I'm proud to be the first elected official in Alabama to publicly endorse Ron DeSantis and urge him to quickly enter the race for President. I fully expect DeSantis to be the 2024 GOP nominee, and I enthusiastically encourage my fellow Alabamians to support him."

The Colbert County Republican was a one-term member of the Alabama House of Representatives, winning statewide the State Auditor's election.

Previously, Sorrell served as the Alabama chairman of the Trump Delegation at the 2020 Republican National Convention.

"I know it will raise some eyebrows that the former Trump Delegation Chairman from 2020 is now endorsing DeSantis in 2024, but I didn't make this decision lightly," Sorrell said. "DeSantis is a better option for Republicans for a number of really good reasons, including: Controversy surrounding DeSantis is always for the right reasons, and he doesn't self-inflict wounds. The liberals don't like DeSantis, but they absolutely hate Donald Trump, and this drives up turnout and hurts Republican candidates up and down the ballot. DeSantis' popularity meanwhile lifts other GOP candidates to a legislative supermajority and a Red Wave in Florida."

"DeSantis is 44 years old and is the fresh young face we need to compete against Joe Biden, who will be 82 at the time of his re-election campaign," he continued. "DeSantis is a proven winner. He wins the fights he takes on, leading efforts to strengthen 2nd Amendment laws in Florida, prevent the woke mob from overrunning our education system, bucking the trend on COVID restrictions and standing for liberty, supporting school choice, and fighting the corporations who seek to change our culture by bullying individuals and government."

Jeff Poor is the executive editor of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.

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