As part of his effort to repair relationships with three Republican governors alienated by Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reportedly met privately on Friday with Georgia governor Brian Kemp.
It took place before DeSantis appeared at a gathering of presidential candidates hosted by conservative talk radio host Erick Erickson.
The two talked for about 30 minutes and did not discuss an endorsement, according to two people familiar with the meeting.
Trump has criticized Kemp for his resistance to overturning Georgia’s 2020 election results. Kemp is one of three Republican governors DeSantis has courted in recent months.
In Iowa, he has appeared with the Republican governor, Kim Reynolds, whom Trump has disparaged, and he has defended New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu from Trump’s criticism.
Two of the three governors represent early-nominating states – Reynolds and Sununu – and are popular in their home states.
The meeting comes after Trump was indicted in the state, which is a crucial swing state in the 2020 general election.
Kemp and DeSantis reportedly discussed DeSantis’ recent appearance at the Iowa State Fair and the first primary debate next week during their meeting on Friday.
In the national Republican primary polls, DeSantis still trails Trump, but is considered the only real challenge to him in the race.
[READ MORE: DeSantis Campaign Targets Trump for Chickening Out of Debate]
