DeSantis Highlights Florida, Israel Successes at Republican Jewish Coalition Leadership Meeting
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) delivered the keynote address at the annual gala dinner at the Republican Jewish Coalition leadership meeting, receiving a standing ovation from activists and donors.
DeSantis, who was reelected last week, recounted recent Republican successes in the midterm elections, as well as his policy successes, focusing on Florida’s actions against antisemitism and in favor of U.S.-Israel relations.
The governor also drew applause for a comment on Judea and Samaria — also called the “West Bank”: “It is not occupied territory; it is disputed territory.” The distinction has implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
DeSantis talked about his recent success in managing the impact of Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole, joking that Florida had rebuilt bridges and restored power while other states were still counting their election results.
He also talked about his recent fight with Disney over transgender ideology in Florida elementary schools, which the company supported. “We’re not kowtowing to ‘woke’ corporations,” he said, to a standing ovation. “We will never, ever surrender to the ‘woke’ mob. The state of Florida is where ‘woke’ goes to die.”
He talked about the need to build a broad coalition. “There is no substitute for victory,” he said.
“Freedom will reign supreme with Florida leading the way.” DeSantis was one of several potential 2024 presidential candidates who spoke at the event, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, and others. Former President Trump spoke via live stream from Mar-a-Lago, and was also well received.
DeSantis was the only speaker that attracted a crowd to the stage while he spoke, suggesting a charismatic appeal to those present.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), the likely incoming Speaker of the House, told the crowd that good days were ahead.
McCarthy also promised to remove Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), who has a history of anti-Israel and antisemitic statements, from the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
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