The statement came during an interview with NBC after DeSantis for months avoided public television audiences in favor of mostly conservative platforms.

In the past, DeSantis has mostly dodged questions about the legitimacy of the election. Strengthening Trump's false claims has been crucial for those hoping to rise in the party ranks, as the majority of Republican voters mistakenly believe Trump won the election against Joe Biden, according to polls.

DeSantis' comment is the clearest support he has yet shown for the legitimacy of the election. However, he opposes what he sees as an excessive reliance on mail-in voting in 2020 — which Trump falsely claimed opens the door to fraud.

With six months to go until the first primaries, DeSantis is in a distant second place behind Trump.

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"Florida is where woke is going to die." Hear about the governor who will challenge Trump in the race for the role of Republican presidential candidate. Photo: Erik S. Lesser/TT