A key adviser is returning to DeSantis’ main super PAC

The super PAC that backed Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign has brought back an adviser who left the group months ago, the fourth major change to the organization’s top ranks in recent weeks.

The adviser, Phil Cox, had left the super PAC, Never Back Down, this spring and is now returning to the group, according to an email sent Wednesday by Scott Wagner, the PAC’s board chairman. Mr. Cox will return as a senior advisor and will oversee Never Back Down’s “budget, field and attendance operations,” the email said.

Mr. Wagner’s message also announced the appointments of a handful of other staff members, but did not specify who would fill a prominent vacancy: the CEO.

Mr. Cox’s return marks the latest shake-up at Never Back Down and comes as Mr. DeSantis struggles to slow the momentum of Nikki Haley, who has risen in the polls after a strong debate performance. The evolving turmoil within an organization that played a crucial role in shaping Mr. DeSantis’ candidacy has created distractions behind the scenes as the Iowa caucuses in January quickly approach.

First, the super PAC’s CEO, Chris Jankowski, resigned before Thanksgiving. Then the group’s chairman, Adam Laxalt, resigned. Then Kristin Davison, who had been named CEO days earlier, was fired over the weekend, along with two other senior officials.

Mr. Cox, who had served in a top role in Mr. DeSantis’ 2022 re-election campaign for Florida governor, had left the super PAC when it became clear that Jeff Roe, a veteran Republican strategist who was Senator Ted Cruz’s campaign manager in the The 2016 presidential race would have operational control over the group.

At the time, Mr. Cox’s firm was involved in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Network, which also had a financial relationship with former President Donald J. Trump’s company. Mr. Roe’s firm, Axiom Strategies, represented the PGA Tour, a rival to the LIV Network.

Mr Cox resigned from his role as an unpaid consultant at Never Back Down shortly after being on the same golf course the same day as Mr. Trump. Although Mr. DeSantis is said to have been unhappy with Mr. Cox on several issues, Mr. Cox is close to others advising the former governor and is said to have begun informally helping the campaign in recent months.

Andrew Romeo, communications director for the DeSantis campaign, praised Mr. Cox in a statement. The super PAC has done much of the work that traditionally went into campaigns, including coordinating events, handling travel logistics and funding research and polling.

“Phil is a talented political operative, and we welcome his and Never Back Down’s independent support as Ron DeSantis approaches the final stretch in Iowa,” Mr. Romeo’s statement said. “The more loyal the governor’s supporters are who are moving the mission forward, the better.”

Mr. Roe’s fate and role in Never Back Down are unclear. Mrs Davison had been his top deputy.

The super PAC and Mr. Roe did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mr. Cox also did not respond to a request for comment.