Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is considering a run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.[0] Although he has not made a formal announcement, DeSantis has been meeting with wealthy fundraisers in Tallahassee, and a super PAC called Never Back Down has raised $33 million to support his potential campaign. Additionally, a state-level political committee called Friends of Ron DeSantis has more than $85 million in the bank, which will likely be transferred to an outside super PAC in the coming weeks.[1]
DeSantis has gained a reputation as a conservative politician, and he has been widely praised by Republicans for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida. However, he has also faced criticism from Democrats for his approach to the pandemic, which they say has prioritized the economy over public health.
Despite his popularity among Republicans, DeSantis faces challenges as he considers a presidential run. He has been targeted by former President Donald Trump and his allies, who have spent millions attacking DeSantis’ record on Social Security and Medicare. Additionally, some Republican lawmakers in Florida have endorsed Trump, rather than DeSantis, for the 2024 nomination.[2]
DeSantis has not yet announced when he plans to formally launch his presidential campaign, but he has said that he will decide “relatively soon.”[3] In the meantime, he continues to serve as governor of Florida, where he has recently signed a controversial election reform bill into law. The bill has been criticized by Democrats and voting rights advocates, who say that it will make it harder for some Floridians to vote.
As the 2024 presidential race begins to take shape, it remains to be seen how DeSantis will fare against other potential Republican candidates, including former Vice President Mike Pence and Senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio. However, with his conservative record and strong fundraising support, DeSantis is likely to be a formidable contender in the Republican primary.
0. “‘Stay tuned’: Gov. DeSantis hints at presidential run announcement” WFTV Orlando, 5 May. 2023, https://www.wftv.com/news/local/stay-tuned-gov-desantis-hints-presidential-run-announcement/WCLILOGRYVH65O4VB4BJS4YGPA/
1. “Ron DeSantis backers see his legislative victories as rocket fuel for 2024” NBC News, 5 May. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/ron-desantis-legislative-victories-rocket-fuel-2024-rcna82537
2. “DeSantis hasn’t fostered deep political relationships. Will it matter?” Tampa Bay Times, 4 May. 2023, https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2023/05/04/desantis-trump-congress-2024-moms-for-liberty-donalds-ziegler/
3. “Announcement coming soon? All eyes on DeSantis after legislative session ends” WJXT News4JAX , 8 May. 2023, https://www.news4jax.com/news/politics/2023/05/08/announcement-coming-soon-all-eyes-on-desantis-after-legislative-session-ends
