Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Florida) on Monday addressed speculation that his wife, Casey DeSantis, plans to run to succeed him after her term ends, saying he has “absolutely no interest in taking over”. ''He said he was not interested.
During a press conference At a meeting in Coral Gables, Florida, the Republican lawmaker was asked if he had heard that his wife is running for the next gubernatorial election, scheduled for November 2026. Ron DeSantis, currently serving his second term, cannot run for re-election due to term limits.
“If I had to characterize her interest in participating in political activity as a candidate, I think I would characterize it as zero,” DeSantis responded. “I think it's because she had her front row seat to all the nonsense that happens when you do it.”
Still, Mr. DeSantis touted his wife's accomplishments as first lady, claiming that representatives from other states are visiting Florida to study and replicate her accomplishments in other parts of the country.
“Imitation is the most important, sincere form of flattery, and people won't imitate what she was successful at, and she is,” he said.
As first lady, Casey DeSantis, a former local news journalist, cancer survivor, and mother of three, has led efforts on issues such as mental health and substance abuse.
Speculation is mounting that Casey DeSantis, who has played a key role in her husband's political career, including his failed 2024 presidential bid, may be considering a run for governor.
A Florida Atlantic University poll released last month found that 38% of those surveyed would support Casey DeSantis over Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) in a potential matchup between the two. I answered. However, a total of 46% of respondents said they were either unsure or willing to support another Florida gubernatorial candidate. Gaetz has not officially announced his interest in running, but is widely expected to be a candidate.
Ron DeSantis, who won re-election by a wide margin in November 2022, was predicted by some to be the future of the Republican Party. However, due to his poor performance in the Republican presidential primary, he withdrew from the race immediately after the Iowa caucuses and came in second place.
In announcing his withdrawal from the race, DeSantis announced that he would support Trump over the other major candidate remaining in the race, former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley.
DeSantis, who sparred with Trump during the Republican primary, is now reportedly planning to help Trump raise money ahead of the November campaign. This could help if the Florida Republican chooses to run for president again in 2028.