DeSantis-aligned PAC recruits Ted Cruz’s campaign manager

A super PAC closely aligned with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is making a major expansion, bringing in a top Republican strategist and establishing its headquarters in Atlanta.

It’s a move that comes as Florida’s governor moves to kick off a much-anticipated presidential race.

Jeff Roe, who previously ran Sen. Ted Cruz’s presidential campaign in 2016, has signed on to be an adviser to the super PAC, Never Back Down, according to an agent with direct knowledge of the movement.

Never Back Down is led by executive director Chris Jankowski, another seasoned Republican operative. Ken Cuccinelli, a former top Homeland Security official under Donald Trump, is chairman of the super PAC. Over the past few weeks, Cuccinelli has visited four major GOP primary states.

It’s not yet clear if Never Back Down is ultimately blessed by DeSantis, though top Republicans expect him to play a major role in backing the governor if he enters the race.

As the super PAC ramps up its operations, so does DeSantis himself. The governor is expected to hit the road again in late March and early April after taking a long swing for his book tour. Among the stops he will make will be speaking engagements in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, New Hampshire and the DC area.

The stops will bring him in front of some influential conservative audiences. Among them, DeSantis is expected to speak at the convocation at Liberty University on April 14.

Politico