Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is cautioning fellow Republicans that the recent special election in Tennessee revealed a turnout issue that could impact the 2026 midterms.

DeSantis argued that while President Donald Trump broadened the GOP’s reach, he also drew in voters who don’t typically participate in Republican elections. According to DeSantis, these voters reliably show up when Trump’s name is on the ballot but are less likely to vote when he isn’t.

The closer-than-anticipated Nashville contest intensified GOP worries about whether Trump’s base will remain engaged once he is no longer running. His remarks come as Republicans aim to defend their narrow majorities in Congress heading into 2026.

During a Friday appearance on “Fox & Friends,” DeSantis said, “Republicans have an issue that

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