As Florida Governor Ron DeSantis nears the end of his term, he has been turning the spotlight on his wife, Casey, hinting that she could be a strong contender for governor.
DeSantis, who won a landslide reelection in 2022, is term-limited and unable to run again in 2026, leading to speculation about what comes next for the DeSantis family in Florida’s political future.
Casey DeSantis Stirs Speculation About Potential Run for Governor
Casey DeSantis, Florida’s first lady, has never held an elected office, but her name has been frequently mentioned as a potential candidate for governor.
While she’s often been referred to as a behind-the-scenes force in her husband’s campaigns, she has also taken on a public role, advising and supporting him throughout his political career.
Recently, Casey sparked even more speculation when she made a playful remark about a possible run for governor, quoting the legendary Yogi Berra: “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”
The DeSantis Team and Casey’s Strategic Role
Governor DeSantis praised his wife’s potential, saying that she would do “better than me” in a race for governor, acknowledging her exceptional abilities in communication and political strategy.
Political analyst Susan MacManus, from the University of South Florida, described Casey as the strategist of the DeSantis team, emphasizing her skill in framing issues and getting a message across to the public.
Florida Polls Show High Favorability for Casey DeSantis
Recent polling from the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab revealed that Casey has a higher favorability rating than other potential candidates for governor.
Among Republicans, 57% had a positive view of her, while 30% of all voters expressed favorable opinions.
This popularity puts her in a strong position should she decide to run for office, but she may face significant challenges with other established figures already eyeing the race.
Donald Trump’s Endorsement of Byron Donalds Complicates Florida’s Governor Race
With President Donald Trump backing Florida Congressman Byron Donalds for governor, the race is quickly becoming a battle between Trump and DeSantis.
Trump’s early endorsement of Donalds, who has not yet formally entered the race, has complicated the dynamics.
Some insiders believe that Casey DeSantis is waiting to see how things unfold before formally entering the race herself.
Casey DeSantis Has Been a Key Political Player in Her Husband’s Success
Throughout her husband’s political career, Casey has been a prominent figure on the campaign trail, often taking on the role of his most dedicated surrogate.
As an influential adviser and public spokesperson, she has worked tirelessly to support DeSantis, whether it was during his first gubernatorial campaign or his presidential run.
Her work on issues like mental health, substance abuse, and disaster relief has further cemented her status as a significant political player in Florida.
Casey’s Health Struggles and Her Role as a Cancer Survivor
Casey’s personal story has also played a role in shaping her public image.
In 2021, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatment, including radiation and surgeries.
After being declared cancer-free in March 2022, she became a strong advocate for cancer research and awareness, helping secure millions of dollars in funding for the cause.
Her resilience in the face of illness has added a human touch to her political persona, making her even more relatable to voters.
The DeSantis Family’s Journey Through Personal Challenges
The DeSantis family’s challenges have also been a part of their public narrative.
During Casey’s battle with cancer, the couple openly discussed the emotional toll it took on their family, particularly when Casey was too sick to care for their young children.
This openness about their struggles, combined with their shared commitment to public service, has made the DeSantis family relatable to many Floridians.
Trump’s Influence on Florida Politics and the Governor’s Race
While DeSantis has been a powerful figure in Florida politics, Trump’s influence continues to loom large.
Many Florida insiders believe that Trump’s endorsement of Byron Donalds could make or break the gubernatorial race.
Despite this, Casey’s popularity continues to grow, and if she decides to enter the race, she will likely use her strong personal brand to capitalize on her appeal.
Could Casey DeSantis Overcome the Challenges and Enter the Governor’s Race?
If Casey DeSantis decides to run for governor, she will face significant hurdles, including the ongoing rivalry between DeSantis and Trump’s supporters.
Despite this, her popularity and strategic acumen could make her a formidable candidate.
The race for governor in Florida is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests in the state’s history, and many are wondering if Casey will take the plunge and seek to become Florida’s first female governor.