Chip Roy says Republicans privately prefer DeSantis, but are scared to ditch Trump
by Julia Johnson, Politics Reporter
August 03, 2023 02:20 PM
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) believes there is a new silent majority forming — a growing share of Republicans and independents who prefer Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) over former President Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary.
In an interview with the Washington Examiner, Roy, who has endorsed DeSantis in the 2024 race, said, "My observation tells me there is a strong silent majority of people who think Gov. DeSantis would be a great direction for our country."
What's stopping people from proclaiming public support for the Florida governor, Roy said, is a fear of parting ways with Trump.
"A lot of them just don't want to break from the former president. But when you talk to them privately, they say, 'Oh man, I really really like Gov. DeSantis. I really think he's in a good spot. I really think he might give us a better shot in the general [election]. And he can serve eight years — all these things. But I just don't know about coming out against Trump,'" Roy said.
He claimed that this sentiment is coming from "citizens, activists, or members of legislature — members of Congress."
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https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/silent-majority-chip-roy-voters-prefer-desantis-scared-ditch-trump