DeSantis In 'Hardest Position' With First Republican Primary Debate, Says Strategist: 'He's Going To Be Taking It From Trump'

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will face a crucial test as he participates in his first Republican primary debate on Aug. 23. The event could potentially make or break his campaign, according to Republican strategist Alex Conant, The Hill reports.

What Happened: DeSantis, who is currently trailing behind former President Donald Trump in most Republican polls, has been facing a series of challenges in his campaign. The Florida Governor’s performance in the upcoming debate could significantly impact his standing in the race.

"He's the candidate with the most questions swirling about him," Conant told The Hill. "He is second in the polls, which as I know from my experience with Rubio, it's often the hardest position to be in. He's going to be taking it from Trump and every other candidate on the stage."

Why It Matters: DeSantis’ campaign has been marked by a series of challenges, including criticism from Trump, who has called his campaign “dead” and “heading to hell.” Despite this, DeSantis’s fundraising efforts have been strong, raising $20 million in the first six weeks of his campaign.

DeSantis’ campaign has also faced criticism for its hard-right stance and homophobic videos, including a recent ad that targeted Trump and faced backlash for its use of footage from the popular television series “Peaky Blinders” without permission, as reported by Benzinga.

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Furthermore, DeSantis’s ongoing feud with The Walt Disney Company DIS has been widely publicized, stemming from his signing of the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, commonly known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill.

The ongoing dispute, which has resulted in lawsuits, has proven to be a significant distraction for DeSantis’s campaign.

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