Trump blamed as red wave becomes a ripple

DONALD Trump has fallen behind Florida governor Ron DeSantis in the odds to be the next Republican candidate to run for president after the midterm elections.

- David Maddox

The expected Republican “red wave” became a “ripple” as big gains failed to materialise.

Mr DeSantis and Mr Trump had needled each other at the start of the night.

And after his own convincing victory, the Florida governor gave a speech which many saw as an unofficial bid for the White House.

Mr DeSantis said: “We have respected the taxpayers and we reject the woke ideology.

Issued

“We fight the woke in the legislature, we fight the woke in the schools, we fight the woke in the corporations.

“We will never, ever surrender to the woke mob. Florida is where woke goes to die.”

Mr Trump said he will make a big announcement next week on his future, with many expecting he will launch his presidential bid.

Republicans now expect that he will face a significant challenge from Mr DeSantis.