Never Back Down Shifts Focus to Field Operations, Cancels Remaining TV Ad Reservations in Iowa and New Hampshire

A super PAC supporting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the 2024 Republican presidential primary has canceled its remaining TV ad reservations in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Never Back Down, the main outside group that has been backing DeSantis throughout his campaign, has decided to cede advertising to a different super PAC, Fight Right, Inc. Fight Right has spent close to $7.7 million on advertising in Iowa, according to AdImpact, a political advertising tracking firm.

In a statement, Never Back Down Chairman Scott Wagner said the group is “laser focused on its core mission — running the most advanced grassroots and political caucus operation in this race and helping deliver the GOP nomination for Governor DeSantis who will deliver America from the disastrous policies of the Left.”

Wagner also indicated that Fight Right will handle TV ad spending going forward while Never Back Down focuses on its field operation. He said the group will focus on field operations to support DeSantis on the ground in the early states, such as Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and beyond.

The decision to cancel the remaining TV ad reservations in Iowa and New Hampshire comes as DeSantis continues to gain momentum in the Republican presidential primary. He has been consistently polling in the top tier of candidates and has seen a surge in fundraising. It remains to be seen how the decision to cede advertising to Fight Right will affect his chances in the race.