TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has lost as many as seven aides in the past 24 hours, some of whom have been with him since the start of his campaign, according to a person with direct knowledge of the turnover.
The departures, which include the scheduling director and director of external affairs, have prompted competing narratives about whether the office is in chaotic upheaval or simply experiencing a transition typical for any new governor, especially after the end of his first legislative session.
“It sounds like it’s the Saturday night massacre,” said a veteran lobbyist familiar with the exodus. “There is a lot going on over there, and everyone is kind of wondering what is next.”
DeSantis spokesperson Helen Aguirre Ferré did not respond to requests for a full list of departures or offer an explanation for the turnover. After initial publication of this story, she said five people had left the office.
Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Panhandle Republican and DeSantis ally, said staff turnover is natural after the close of a legislative session.