ELECTIONS, POLITICS, & GOVERNMENT

Gov. Ron DeSantis to campaign with Utah lawmakers amid presidential bid

Jul 18, 2023, 4:20 PM | Updated: Jul 19, 2023, 9:11 am

ron desantis, who will make an appearance in utah friday...

Florida Governor and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference at the Celebrate Freedom Foundation Hangar in West Columbia, S.C. Tuesday, July 18, 2023. DeSantis visited South Carolina to file his 2024 candidacy for president. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)

(AP Photo/Sean Rayford)

 Senator Todd Weiler joins Dave & Dujanovic, listen live at 9:20 am. 

SALT LAKE CITY — Presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is campaigning with Utah lawmakers Friday.

State Sen. Todd Weiler confirmed the event to KSL NewsRadio, and said he was invited by the campaign. But, Weiler said he’s not involved in any fundraisers being held in Utah by the DeSantis campaign.

“We’ve planned [the event] on the steps of the Capitol, which is a public place,” Weiler said.

“Several” other lawmakers have committed to attending, according to Weiler. Among those, Utah Sen President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, his reps confirm.

“I’m afraid if my party nominates Trump again, then we’ll lose again to Joe Biden,” Weiler said.

  

Weiler said he’s supporting DeSantis because he has the values he’s looking for in a candidate, and Weiler wants someone who can serve for eight years, not just for four.

“There’s a lot of good candidates out there but I don’t know if they can win,” Weiler said.

DeSantis’ platform

Much like former President Donald Trump, DeSantis has been a divisive political figure. Speaking to Utah’s Republican Party at their state convention this past April, he touted several policies that he championed in Florida including blocking transgender surgeries and puberty blockers, his war with Disney over LGBTQ issues and eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion offices in higher education.

“They say it’s diversity, equity, and inclusion,” DeSantis said at the convention. “In reality, it’s a Trojan horse to try to impose a left-wing ideological agenda on our universities and on the students,” he said.

“How it’s really practiced, DEI, it’s really discrimination, exclusion, and indoctrination, and that has no part in our public system,” DeSantis told the audience.

Weiler was asked if he was okay with this type of rhetoric.

“There are some of his positions that I like better than others,” said Weiler. “But I also think that he says some hard things that oftentimes need to be said.”

Weiler argued that the political environment is divisive and DeSantis doesn’t back down and stands up for what he believes in. Weiler called that part of his “leadership traits” that he argues voters are looking for. 

“Does he fit everything perfectly? Is he as polished as someone who’s been on the campaign trail longer could be? Probably not,” Weiler said. “But he’s got what I’m looking for in a presidential candidate.”

Related: DeSantis raised $20 million in second quarter, campaign says

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Elections, Politics, & Government

utah capitol building. ‘You are inviting rapists to Utah’: Survivor urges lawmakers to consider...

DANIELLA RIVERA

‘You are inviting rapists to Utah’: Survivor urges lawmakers to consider consent bill

Just a small fraction of reported sexual assaults in Utah lead to rape charges filed in court, but year after year, a proposed solution has been met with resistance by lawmakers or ignored entirely on Capitol Hill.

23 hours ago

FILE - Utah Capitol building. Utah lawmakers begin 2025 session. Utah Legislature is again in sessi...

Greg Skordas

The ‘great men and women’ of Utah Legislature need to take a step back, says legal analyst

The Utah Legislature is again in session and once again, attempting to increase their already overwhelming power. The 2025 Legislative session is another example of their power grab.

1 day ago

Utah flag flying in the wind. A Utah bill known as SB204 could make it harder for judges to block c...

Adam Small

Utah bill could make it harder for judges to block laws that appear unconstitutional

A bill known as SB204 could make it harder for a judge to block laws that appear unconstitutional.

3 days ago

With President Donald Trump moving to abolish the Department of Education, how will it affect Utah'...

Devin Oldroyd

How would education in Utah be affected if Department of Education is abolished?

With President Donald Trump moving to abolish the Department of Education, how will it affect Utah's public and higher education systems?

3 days ago

Kaysville City officials confirmed that the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District had added water ...

Simone Seikaly

Kaysville City tells residents why water smells like chlorine

Weber officials recently added water from groundwater wells, which, because of extra processing, created the chlorine smell.

3 days ago

Jail overcrowding is addressed by one of the bills before lawmakers on Utah’s Capitol Hill right ...

Don Brinkerhoff

Legislation would prevent some jail releases due to overcrowding

A new bill would prevent some inmates from being released, without first seeing a judge, due to jail overcrowding.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis to campaign with Utah lawmakers amid presidential bid