FLORIDA – A new television ad for Governor Ron DeSantis, sponsored by the Republican Party of Florida, was released today across the state.
Opening with iconic images of our free, constitutional republic, we hear the words, “America has long been the world's bastion of freedom. Now, Florida is our nation's hope.”
The spot continues with footage of the incumbent governor encouraging the people of Florida to rise up and live their lives as free state citizens, despite pandemic-related shutdowns.
The message “We cannot stop fighting. This November, let's show the world freedom is here to stay,” is a clarion call to let the rest of the country know that Florida will continue to put individual rights and freedoms first.
STRIKING BACK AT NEWSOM
In an attempt to tarnish DeSantis’ reputation, California Governor Gavin Newsom attacked the Sunshine State’s governor by stating that he was denying Floridians their freedom. Ironically, DeSantis is running for reelection with the motto “Keep Florida Free.” And according to the data, he’s doing just that.
DeSantis fought to keep Florida open for business during the pandemic. In addition, he assembled panels of experts to advise on prudent measures while prioritizing Floridians' life, liberty, and economic health.
After careful consideration, DeSantis also fought to keep Florida schools open. As a result, Florida's percentage of in-person school days during the 2020–2021 academic year was third-highest among the states.
"Our schools will be open in the state of Florida. If you look at the data that's been amassed throughout the pandemic, it's found that you have worse outcomes by closing schools,” DeSantis said at a press conference. “And so it'd be so damaging. Kids need to be in school.”
STRONG POPULAR SUPPORT
DeSantis came under attack for “restricting speech in classrooms” through Florida's Parental Rights in Education Law. The law restricts classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation from kindergarten through third grade. A recent poll by Public Opinion Strategies showed that 67 percent of parents and 61 percent of respondents support the legislation.
Last year, DeSantis signed a bill that tightened voter-identification requirements, prohibited the mass mailing of ballots, and banned ballot harvesting. These provisions were commonplace around the country before the pandemic.
A common misunderstanding is that abortion is being criminalized in Florida. But Florida's new abortion law still allows the procedure up until 15 weeks – a standard that’s even more permissive than in many European countries. The law also provides exceptions for women whose health is threatened or in the case of a “fatal fetal abnormality.” And while it does penalize doctors who perform illegal abortions – it does not punish women who receive them.
THRIVING ECONOMY
The economy in Florida is thriving, despite economic pressures from poor federal policy. According to Moody's analysis of consumer credit reports, Florida gained more new residents than any other state from February 2021 to February 2022. In addition, revenue in Florida increased by $23.7 billion, according to IRS data from 2020.
Other states are losing people while Florida continues to add new residents. Many of the millions who have come to Florida were seeking an escape from blue states.
The new spot ends with the statement, “This November, let's show the world freedom is here to stay.”
SPANISH VERSION RELEASED
A companion ad, also released today, will run in the Miami-Dade market. The 60-second spot focuses on the governor’s commitment to communicating his “Keep Florida Free” policy to Hispanic and Latino voters.
In the ad, supporters from Miami’s Latino community share stories and express gratitude for the governor’s leadership and how his plan has impacted their lives. “I support Governor Ron DeSantis because he understands all of Florida’s cultures,” a young woman said in the ad.
DeSantis’ re-election campaign announced a $5.3 million investment in Spanish-language broadcast and cable television ads in targeted media markets in May. “As Joe Biden and the Democrat Party continue to lose their footing with the Hispanic community, Republicans are gaining and growing. Spanish-speaking Hispanics in Florida and across the country are moving toward Governor Ron DeSantis because of his emphasis on economic opportunity, education, public safety, and other family-focused policies,” the governor’s re-election campaign explained in a statement.
Watch the full ad below:
