Chris Jankowski Resigns as CEO of Never Back Down PAC
Chris Jankowski, the CEO of the main super PAC backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' presidential run, has resigned. Jankowski confirmed to CBS News that he sent a resignation to the Never Back Down PAC's board and that it was effective immediately.
Jankowski's resignation was first reported by The New York Times.
His resignation comes amid reports of turmoil between the PAC and DeSantis' campaign brass, with the latest flare-up coming after attack ads from the PAC on former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley backfired against DeSantis in polling, according to NBC News.
During a meeting last week at the super PAC's Atlanta headquarters, a tense moment between Never Back Down strategist Jeff Roe and longtime supporter Scott Wagner turned into a shouting match over the direction of the super PAC, according to sources familiar with the incident. Allies of DeSantis have been critical of how the super PAC has been run, the sources said.
DeSantis has anchored his campaign's prospects in Iowa, but he has consistently trailed former President Donald Trump in polling and is in a battle with Haley for second place.
"Never Back Down" Super PAC Withdraws Support for Governor Ron DeSantis
A super PAC known as "Never Back Down" has announced that it is withdrawing its support for Governor Ron DeSantis in his bid for the presidency. In a statement to CBS News, the founder of the super PAC, Mr. Jankowski, cited an untenable environment and a difference of strategic opinion as the reasons for the withdrawal.
Despite the withdrawal, Mr. Jankowski expressed his support for Governor DeSantis and even went as far as to say that he supports and prays for DeSantis to become the 47th president of the United States.
Super PACs, like "Never Back Down," are typically used to run TV advertisements for candidates due to their ability to raise funds without federal limits. However, it is important to note that direct coordination between a super PAC and a campaign is prohibited by federal election laws.
"Never Back Down" has played a significant role in Governor DeSantis' campaign operations, hosting him as a special guest on its bus tour and running a grassroots door-knocking operation in support of him in the early states.
