Casey DeSantis
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Casey DeSantis Weighs In On Launching Bid For Florida Governor

RNN Staff

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis is fueling speculation that she may run to succeed her husband, Governor Ron DeSantis, in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race. Speaking at the National Review Institute’s Ideas Summit, Casey was asked directly whether she would throw her hat in the ring. Her response? A telling, “We’ll see.”

While not a formal announcement, her remarks — paired with glowing praise from her husband — have political observers across the state taking notice.

Ron DeSantis: “She’s as Conservative — or More — Than Me”

Governor DeSantis, who is term-limited after two successful terms, has been openly supportive of his wife’s potential political future. At a recent event, he called her “as conservative, or more conservative than me,” suggesting she would carry on — and possibly amplify — his political legacy in Florida.

Casey, for her part, emphasized the need for strong, unapologetic leadership in the state, warning that Florida’s conservative momentum could be reversed if the wrong person takes the reins.

“We need someone who’s going to have a backbone. Someone who’s not going to back down,” she said, while praising her husband’s record as governor and referring to him as “the GOAT.”

Polls Show Strong Support for Casey

Recent internal polling shows Casey DeSantis with a 57% favorability rating among Republican voters in Florida, putting her in a strong position should she choose to enter the race. With her background as a former television journalist, polished public speaker, and a key surrogate during Ron DeSantis’s campaigns, she’s already a recognizable and well-liked figure across the state.

A Competitive GOP Field Taking Shape

Casey DeSantis would enter what is shaping up to be a high-profile Republican primary. Rep. Byron Donalds has already declared his candidacy and secured endorsements from both President Donald Trump and Donald Trump Jr.

Other potential contenders include Rep. Matt Gaetz and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, both of whom have strong grassroots followings and statewide name recognition.

But the entrance of Casey DeSantis would instantly alter the landscape. Her name alone would carry significant weight, and her close alignment with the current administration’s conservative achievements could give her an edge among primary voters looking for continuity.

The Road Ahead

While she hasn’t officially entered the race, all signs point to Casey DeSantis seriously weighing her options. With Governor DeSantis riding high on his record of conservative governance, a potential handoff to Casey could solidify Florida’s future as a stronghold of Republican leadership.

If she runs, Casey DeSantis could become a defining figure in the next chapter of the conservative movement — not just in Florida, but nationally.

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