The chief strategist of the most prominent super PAC backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 2024 presidential campaign said he was stepping down amid reports of internal bickering that have rocked the organization.
Jeff Roe announced his resignation from Never Back Down late Saturday after the PAC’s chairman pinned the recent firings of three top officials on “mismanagement and conduct issues” in a statement to the Washington Post for a story detailing tumult within the group.
“I cannot in good conscience stay affiliated with Never Back Down given the statements in the Washington Post today,” Roe said in a statement posted on X.
“They are not true and an unwanted distraction at a critical time for Governor DeSantis,” Roe added. “I am resigning my position effective immediately. Governor DeSantis has been an exceptional governor and I hope he will be the 47th President of the United States.”
Since late November, Never Back Down has hemorrhaged at least five other senior officials, including the three who were fired, as well as the founding chief executive and board chairman who both resigned.
“Following mismanagement and conduct issues, including numerous unauthorized leaks containing false information, senior officials were terminated,” Never Back Down chairman Scott Wagner told the Washington Post about the firings.
“We don’t have time to indulge false narratives from those with ulterior motives.”
A lawyer representing the canned employees contacted Wanger after the Washington Post sought comment, and he adjusted his statement to hedge his claims, the report said.
“Following some opinions regarding mismanagement and conduct issues, including some who believed there appeared to be numerous unauthorized leaks containing false information, NBD and some senior officials parted ways,” he said.
Bitter infighting has engulfed Never Back Down in recent weeks, according to multiple reports.
During a discussion on budgeting, Roe nearly came to blows with Wagner, NBC News reported in November.
“You have a stick up your a—, Scott,” Roe seethed at Wanger, per the report.
“Why don’t you come over here and get it?” Wagner shot back, while popping up from his chair before being restrained, the outlet reported.
Never Back Down had been a critical part of DeSantis’ campaign for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination.
Although a separate entity from the campaign, the PAC has pumped out over $100 million to back his White House bid.
But the governor’s faith in the group has reportedly been diminished amid the backbiting.
Despite his apparent frustrations with leadership at the PAC, Roe underscored his commitment to DeSantis.
“I am proud of the team we have built at Never Back Down and the incredible work and integrity of every devoted professional within the organization,” he said in his statement. “This is a team of political warriors and their grind and dedication over the last nine months has helped put Governor Ron DeSantis in a strong position.”
“I am sorry I can’t be with you,” Roe further stated in a post on X.
Roe is a seasoned political strategist who founded Axiom Strategies.
Neither the DeSantis campaign nor Never Back Down returned requests for comment from The Post Sunday.
DeSantis has banked heavily on a strong performance in Iowa, which is the first 2024 GOP contest slated for Jan. 15, 2024.