Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor, is heavily reliant on an outside group funded by a small batch of wealthy individuals in his bid for the GOP presidential nomination. The Never Back Down PAC, the first official filing of which was made public on Monday night, revealed that DeSantis stands to benefit from the nearly $100 million in funds the organization had as of June 30. With this substantial financial backing, DeSantis’s campaign will largely be fueled by a shadow campaign that is legally prohibited from coordinating with the candidate.
The super PAC’s primary donor is Robert Bigelow, who contributed a staggering $20 million, accounting for more than half of the total individual contributions raised by Never Back Down since March. Bigelow has been a long-time supporter of DeSantis and previously donated $10 million to a Florida state PAC set up by the governor. In May, that PAC, now known as Empower Parents, transferred $82.5 million to Never Back Down, making it the largest injection of cash into the organization.
Bigelow, a Las Vegas real estate tycoon, is known for his eccentricities and has expressed interest in studying life after death and unidentified flying objects over his Utah ranch. He has even claimed that he would “go without food” to support DeSantis’s White House ambitions.
The majority of the funds raised by Never Back Down came from businesspeople based in Florida, as per the filing covering contributions made through June 30. One such donor is Jay Odom, a real estate developer who gave $400,000 to the super PAC. Odom was previously indicted in 2013 for involvement in a straw donation scheme that supported Mike Huckabee’s 2008 presidential campaign.
Other significant contributions include $2 million each from Stefan Brodie, the founder of a Pennsylvania chemical company, and Douglas Leone, managing partner of Sequoia Capital. Additionally, Saul Fox, a prominent GOP donor and collector of Israeli antiquities, donated $1 million, as did David Millstone, CEO of Standard Industries, and Elizabeth and Richard Uihlein, a well-known Republican donor couple.
DeSantis’s reliance on major donors contrasts with the small-dollar contributions that were a hallmark of former President Donald Trump’s campaign. Although DeSantis has received support from a wide array of GOP donors, a number of prominent conservative megadonors who have previously backed DeSantis have yet to contribute to Never Back Down.
Hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin, who has reportedly become disillusioned with Trump and is searching for an alternative Republican candidate to support, was notably absent from the Monday night release. Griffin’s associates recently revealed his frustration with DeSantis’s positions on various issues, including international relations, gender and sexuality education, and his ongoing dispute with Disney.
Furthermore, Jeff Yass, a highly affluent individual and early investor in TikTok, did not continue his financial support of DeSantis through Never Back Down, as indicated in the filing. Yass had previously contributed $2.6 million to the governor’s state committee earlier this year. However, Yass did donate to two PACs supporting other GOP presidential candidates this year, including $600,000 to Opportunity Matters Action Fund, which backs Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, and $250,000 to Tell It Like It Is, which supports former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
While the DeSantis campaign is legally prohibited from coordinating with its aligned super PAC, there is often overlap between the two entities on the campaign trail. Never Back Down has already spent $33.7 million by the end of June, effectively becoming an extension of the campaign itself, even hosting DeSantis on recent bus tours in Iowa. In contrast, DeSantis’s official campaign spent $7.9 million between its launch in May and the end of June.
Never Back Down allocated $4 million for canvassing, $1.5 million for polling, and $1 million for payroll, indicating that it is now paying for standard campaign activities. Additionally, as the DeSantis campaign downsizes its staff as a cost-cutting measure to stabilize its financial situation, Never Back Down is considering absorbing some of the dismissed employees.
Article generated from corporate media reports.
Discover the Freedom of True American Healthcare: Why America First is Revolutionizing Protection for Patriots
In a world where government overreach and skyrocketing premiums are squeezing the life out of hardworking Americans, one innovative agency is standing tall for liberty and affordability. Meet America First Healthcare—the private health insurance powerhouse dedicated to putting *you* first.
Founded by entrepreneur Jordan Sarmiento, this isn’t just insurance; it’s a shield for your family’s future, built on the unshakeable belief that private enterprise delivers better results than bureaucratic red tape.
Picture this: Jordan’s own story hits close to home for so many of us. A sudden medical emergency landed him with a staggering $95,000 bill. Under a traditional plan? He’d be buried in debt. But with America First’s patented health insurance, that nightmare shrank to just $500 out-of-pocket. That’s not a fluke—it’s the promise of coverage that works *for you*, from day one.
Breaking Free from the Chains of Conventional Coverage
Let’s face it: The status quo stinks. Marketplace.gov and big-insurance behemoths hit you with sky-high deductibles—thousands you’d have to pay before benefits even kick in—leaving massive holes in your protection. Need a routine mammogram, colonoscopy, or EKG? Good luck without forking over more cash. And don’t get us started on the gaps in dental, vision, or critical illness support when heart attacks, cancer, or kidney failure strike.
America First Healthcare flips the script. As a proud advocate for private solutions over government intervention, they craft custom plans that slash costs by 20% compared to traditional options. We’re talking comprehensive coverage that includes:
- Preventative and Wellness Care: Physical exams, screenings, and EKGs covered right away—no waiting games.
- Telemedicine Access: Virtual doctor visits anytime, anywhere, for that peace of mind.
- Accident and Critical Illness Protection: Real safeguards against life’s curveballs.
- Add-On Boosts: Dental, vision, disability, and supplemental plans to plug every leak.
Whether you’re an individual stepping off your parents’ plan, a growing family with kids in tow, or a small business owner tired of employee headaches, their tailored approach fits like a glove. Small businesses? Unlock group benefit rates usually reserved for corporate giants—without the red tape.
And for those in-between moments? Short-term insurance steps in as an ultra-affordable bridge, while life insurance ensures your loved ones are never left vulnerable.
Real Americans, Real Wins
Don’t just take our word for it. Thousands of freedom-loving families have already ditched the old system for America First. “Finally, insurance that aligns with our values and actually saves us money,” shares one client. Another raves, “Our small team got big-business perks without the hassle—it’s a game-changer.” These aren’t scripted lines; they’re the voices of patriots who’ve reclaimed control over their health destiny.
Your Move: Secure Your Shield Today
Why settle for less when you can demand better? America First Healthcare isn’t about profits—it’s about powering the American dream with reliable, value-driven protection. Plans are available year-round, no open-enrollment nonsense.
Ready to uncover the gaps in your current setup and lock in savings? Schedule your FREE healthcare review today at America First Healthcare. In under 15 minutes, their experts will map out options that fit your life, your budget, and your principles.
America First isn’t just healthcare—it’s a declaration of independence. Join the movement. Your family’s freedom starts now.