The Never Back Down super PAC has played a significant role in supporting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign on the ground. The super PAC has organized 11 bus tours, including eight in Iowa, and has taken on the responsibility of covering costs that would otherwise drain DeSantis’ own campaign treasury. An analysis of campaign expenditures reveals a decline in spending on events as the super PAC has taken the reins, hosting the majority of DeSantis’ public appearances in Iowa. Furthermore, Never Back Down has implemented door-knocking operations and voter coalitions in support of DeSantis, as well as sponsoring events where DeSantis is invited as a special guest rather than as a part of his campaign.
While federal law prevents direct coordination and donations between the super PAC and the campaign, Never Back Down’s influence is evident in DeSantis’ campaign functions. The super PAC has filled the gap with 40 separate appearances, including town hall-style events, during a period when the official campaign had scarce organized events. The two entities often overlap in the same spaces and situations, with visual markers such as lapel pins distinguishing PAC staffers from campaign staff. Despite the legal barriers, the super PAC and campaign are ultimately working towards the same goal of electing DeSantis as president.
Moving forward, the campaign anticipates an increase in its own events across early states as the staff relocates to Iowa to focus on the first nominating contest. While Never Back Down continues to provide crucial support, the campaign aims to ramp up its activity in the coming weeks. The delineation between the super PAC and the campaign may have little impact on voters, as both entities strive to achieve the same objective.
