Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has begun publicly endorsing his wife, Casey DeSantis, as a possible candidate to succeed him in 2026. With his second term coming to an end, the Republican has highlighted the first lady’s conservative profile and her potential to continue his political legacy in the state.
‘She has the guts and the dedication to conservative principles. Everything we’ve accomplished, she could take it to the next level,’ said DeSantis, who won re-election in 2022 with a lead of nearly 20 percentage points.
The mention of Casey DeSantis as a possible successor has generated speculation in Tallahassee, where rumours have long circulated about her growing influence in state politics. Her participation in Republican events and her presence on her husband’s campaign trail have reinforced these rumours.
DeSantis Clash with Trump and His Candidate
DeSantis‘ endorsement of his wife comes amid a feud with President Donald Trump, who has expressed support for Congressman Byron Donalds as a candidate for governor in 2026.
‘Byron Donalds would be a truly great and powerful governor for Florida and, if he chooses to run, he will have my full and complete support,’ Trump said on social media.
DeSantis dismissed Donalds‘ influence in state politics and said he has not been part of the big Republican victories in Florida in recent years. ‘We’ve made significant gains in the state, and a guy like Byron just hasn’t been part of those victories over the left,’ the governor said.
DeSantis‘ stance has generated backlash among Trump allies. Former congressman Matt Gaetz criticised his comments and recalled that Donalds was a key ally in his 2018 campaign.
‘It pains me to see this. Governor DeSantis, don’t you remember when you, Byron and I worked together to get you elected?’ he wrote on the social networking site X.
Meanwhile, Donalds has not confirmed whether he will seek the governorship, but recently hinted that he might make an announcement soon. ‘Stay tuned,’ he said at a Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) event, raising anticipation about his political future.
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