The race for the 2026 Florida elections is beginning to take shape with prominent names within the Republican Party. One of the potential candidates generating the most attention is not a traditional politician but the current First Lady of the state, Casey DeSantis. Although her candidacy has not yet been confirmed, close sources indicate that she is seriously considering the possibility of running and would have the support of her husband, the current governor Ron DeSantis.
Casey DeSantis: The potential successor for Florida’s governorship in 2026
Casey DeSantis, who has been a key figure in her husband’s administration, has increased her visibility in recent years through social initiatives and public speeches at official events. Her potential candidacy would mark a continuation of Ron DeSantis’s governance in Florida, raising expectations about whether the family will remain in the governor’s mansion after 2027. It is worth noting that the current state governor cannot be reelected.
According to a source cited by El Nuevo Herald, the Republican believes his wife has the right profile to compete for the Old Grand Party (GOP) nomination.
The Trump factor and internal competition
Looking ahead to the election date, one of the main challenges Casey DeSantis must face is getting closer to President Donald Trump, who has the support of a large portion of the Florida electorate. Years ago, Ron DeSantis had strong clashes with the current national leader. Additionally, the head of state has expressed support for figures such as federal representative Byron Donalds and former legislator Matt Gaetz, who could also compete in the Republican primaries in Florida.
Casey DeSantis has played an active role in initiatives related to mental health, education, and family support in Florida. Her work has been widely promoted at official events, making her one of the most visible First Ladies in the state in recent years.
From her position, she has built relationships with community leaders and strategic sectors, which could help her build her own political platform if she officially announces her candidacy. Furthermore, her presence in the campaign would allow her husband, Ron DeSantis, to maintain influence over the future of the Republican Party in Florida while he evaluates his next steps in national politics.
Florida: Who are the other potential republican candidates in 2026?
As the months pass and the 2026 race approaches, other names are emerging as potential candidates for the governorship. Figures such as the Agriculture Commissioner, Wilton Simpson, and the Florida Attorney General, Ashley Moody, have been mentioned in discussions about the electoral race.
On the other side of the political spectrum, Congressman Jared Moskowitz and the Florida Democratic Party Chair, Nikki Fried, are among the possible contenders. Additionally, the Miami-Dade Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, and the leader of that party in the local House of Representatives, Fentrice Driskell, could also join the race. However, it is worth noting that progressives face significant challenges in competing in a state where Republicans have consolidated their dominance in recent electoral cycles.
