LAXALT NOW BACKING RON DESANTIS AS HIS NEVADA CHAIR

April 30, 2023

Rob Lauer Political Reporter

I always say there’s no such thing as a friend in politics. People may be friendly when you can do something for them, but in politics, everyone always does what’s in their own interest in the end. President Trump backed Adam Laxalt financially and politically for governor and then for the U.S. Senate last year. Many folks said Trump saved Laxalt’s Senate race from challenger Sam Brown with his endorsement.

Trump is still extremely popular among Republican base voters here in Nevada. In a recent internal poll, done earlier this month, Trump led by 45 points over Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. But Laxalt is pushing forward anyway, having been tapped as DeSantis’ Nevada Chair. DeSantis will headline Laxalt’s annual Basque Fry this summer.

Trump is facing a host of trumped up criminal charges in New York, Georgia, and possibly by the Special Prosecutor in DC. But Trump still owns the hearts of the Republican base voters. Laxalt’s move certainly won’t endear him to those base voters. After failing to win two state wide races in Nevada, he may be angling for an appointment.

Laxalt’s calculated move is in line with many of the top donors in Nevada and the country. Robert Bigelow recently came out in support of Ron DeSantis after spending millions of his own dollars helping Joe Lombardo win the governor’s race. Right or wrong, in the end, Laxalt is doing what he thinks is in his own interest.