"Costly Campaign: The Financial Fallout of Ron DeSantis' Failed Presidential Bid"

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis heavily relied on the super PAC Never Back Down to fund and organize his presidential campaign, with the PAC spending over four times the amount his campaign did. The super PAC not only handled advertising but also led the ground organizing efforts, spending millions on canvassing and field operations. Internal drama within the super PAC led to the creation of other outside groups to support DeSantis. Despite significant spending on travel and staff, DeSantis struggled to grow his donor base and ended the year with funds that could only be used in a general election, ultimately dropping out of the race after a second-place showing in the Iowa caucuses.