Ron DeSantis qualifies for ballot in 30 states and territories, campaign says

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday qualified to be on Vermont’s ballot for the 2024 GOP primary, marking a key milestone.

With the Green Mountain State down, he has now secured ballot access in 30 states and territories as the leadoff contest draws near, his campaign confirmed.

“Ron DeSantis’ strong ballot access operation is just another example of why he’s the only candidate with the resources and grassroots organization necessary to beat Donald Trump,” campaign communications director Andrew Romeo said.

“DeSantis continues to out-work and out-organize the competition all across the country as his message to fight for the American people, win on the issues that improve their everyday lives, and lead our nation into a brighter future, continues to resonate.”

This week alone, the Sunshine State governor also notched Oklahoma, Tennessee, North Carolina, North Dakota, Michigan, and Minnesota.

Other states and territories he’s qualified for include: South Carolina, the US Virgin Islands, New Hampshire, Washington, Massachusetts, Nevada, American Samoa, Missouri, Virginia, Iowa, Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Michigan, Georgia, Idaho, Washington DC, Hawaii, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Texas, and Maine.

Qualification for ballot access typically involves a labyrinth of signature and other requirements that vary from state to state.

To gain access, the DeSantis campaign has touted its “sophisticated grassroots” work.

DeSantis’ team has also invested considerably in its ground game for early states.

In Iowa, which is set to hold its caucuses on Jan. 15, 2024, the governor has over 30,000 Iowans committed to caucus for him, per his campaign.

The governor has the coveted backing of Hawkeye State Gov. Kim Reynolds as well as 42 endorsements from state legislators and 130 county-level chairs supporting him.

Last Saturday, he completed the “full Grassley” and finished visiting all 99 counties in the state.

DeSantis has also completed 20 campaign stops in South Carolina, which is slated to hold its primary on Feb. 24, 2024.

There, he also notched 19 endorsements from sitting legislators and enjoys five offices between his campaign and Super PAC.

In New Hampshire, which is slated for a Jan. 23, 2024 primary, DeSantis has made 53 visits, scored 65 current legislative endorsements, and has four offices between his campaign and Super PAC.

At the moment, DeSantis is averaging second place nationally and in Iowa, according to the latest RealClearPolitics aggregate.

He recently revealed plans to partake in CNN’s debates next month as voters begin to head to the polls.