Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, known for his strong stance on pandemic lockdowns and controversial cultural issues, will announce his bid for the Republican presidential nomination. He will make the announcement on Twitter during a conversation with Twitter CEO Elon Musk. DeSantis, who was re-elected for a second term, poses a significant challenge to former President Donald Trump’s aspirations to secure the Republican nomination. While DeSantis and Trump were previously close allies, the governor has since established his own political identity and represents a potential future for the party. DeSantis will convene a meeting with his top donors in Miami to launch his presidential fundraising efforts. He has gained national attention for his opposition to mask and vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic and his criticism of Dr. Anthony Fauci. DeSantis credits his policies for Florida’s economic recovery and strong job growth. In preparation for his presidential bid, he has toured states like Iowa and New Hampshire, emphasizing his accomplishments in Florida. However, Trump’s attacks have affected DeSantis’ standing in national polls. Despite criticism, DeSantis has pursued his priorities, punished opponents, and championed conservative causes, such as restricting discussions on LGBTQ issues in schools and banning Critical Race Theory teachings. The governor’s aggressive approach has garnered attention and financial support, but he must navigate Trump’s insults and maintain a delicate balance to secure the support of Trump’s followers. DeSantis, who has a more subdued style than Trump, focuses on policy-oriented speeches. His response to Trump’s criticisms will be crucial as he aims to deliver results while appeasing his potential voter base. Prior to his role as governor, DeSantis served as a U.S. congressman. He receives political guidance from his wife, Casey DeSantis, and the couple has three children.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, known for his strong conservative stance on pandemic lockdowns and cultural issues, is set to enter the 2024 presidential race. While Musk clarified that he is not endorsing DeSantis or any other candidate at the moment, he expressed his interest in Twitter as a platform for public discourse. DeSantis, who was re-elected for a second term, poses a significant challenge to former President Donald Trump’s ambition to secure the Republican nomination. Despite their past alliance, DeSantis has carved out his own political identity and, at 44 years old, represents a potential future for the party compared to the 76-year-old Trump.
DeSantis will hold a meeting in Miami with his top donors, who will launch his presidential fundraising efforts. His strong opposition to mask and vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic earned him national attention and positioned him as a leading figure among Republicans. He attributes Florida’s economic recovery to his policies and highlights the state’s job growth. DeSantis has been actively touring the country, emphasizing his achievements in Florida, and visiting states like Iowa and New Hampshire, which play significant roles in early presidential nominating contests.
Although Trump has attacked DeSantis in recent months, the Florida governor has focused on advancing his priorities and countering criticism. He has demonstrated a willingness to take decisive action against opponents, such as stripping Walt Disney Co of its self-governing status for opposing the “Don’t Say Gay” law. DeSantis also removed an elected Democratic state attorney who refused to prosecute individuals for defying DeSantis-backed abortion limits. He has made combating “woke” education policies a central aspect of his agenda while supporting conservative candidates for local school boards. In Florida’s recent legislative session, DeSantis achieved several conservative victories, including expanding the school voucher program, scrapping diversity programs at public universities, and enacting strict abortion restrictions.
While the abortion ban may appeal to the party’s evangelical base, it could pose challenges for DeSantis in the general election. Pro-business Republicans have criticized his feud with Disney, arguing that it contradicts the party’s usual hands-off approach to regulation. DeSantis’s assertive governing style has gained attention from Republicans nationwide, and he raised over $200 million for his re-election campaign, attracting both admiration and derision from Trump, who previously endorsed him. DeSantis’s campaign speeches differ from Trump’s bombastic style, as he adopts a more reserved and policy-focused approach.
The key question for DeSantis moving forward is how he will respond to Trump’s expected insults and insinuations. So far, DeSantis has brushed them off as “noise” and remained focused on delivering results. It is crucial for him to navigate the delicate balance of not antagonizing Trump while still showcasing his alignment with many of the same policies but with a more composed leadership style. Prior to serving as governor, DeSantis was a U.S. congressman for three terms, and his wife, Casey DeSantis, is his closest political adviser.