Florida’s Political Landscape Heats Up as DeSantis and Trump Navigate Gubernatorial Succession
The political scene in Florida is buzzing with activity as the race to succeed term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis intensifies. A recent golf outing involving DeSantis, his wife Casey, and former President Donald Trump has added another layer of intrigue to the already complex situation. The gathering comes at a crucial juncture, with Trump’s endorsement of Congressman Byron Donalds shaking up the field and Casey DeSantis hinting at a potential run herself.
DeSantis took to social media to share a photo from the golf outing, showcasing Casey DeSantis teeing off at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. The governor playfully noted that Casey and Trump had emerged victorious in their match. Beyond the casual camaraderie, the meeting served as an opportunity for the DeSantis couple to engage with Trump on the gubernatorial race, according to a Republican source in Florida.
The source revealed that the governor and first lady used their time with Trump to appeal to him, urging him to refrain from further involvement in the gubernatorial race beyond his initial endorsement of Donalds. Trump, who relocated his primary residence to Florida in 2019, had previously expressed his strong support for Donalds on social media, describing him as a "truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida" and offering his "Complete and Total Endorsement" should Donalds decide to run.
Donalds, a conservative former state lawmaker who has represented parts of southwest Florida in Congress for the past four years, officially announced his candidacy on Fox News, confirming his long-held interest in the governorship. He has been eyeing a potential gubernatorial bid for nearly a year. The congressman’s entry into the race has undoubtedly altered the dynamics, particularly given Trump’s enthusiastic backing.
The relationship between Trump and DeSantis has a history of fluctuating between alliance and rivalry. Trump played a crucial role in DeSantis’ successful 2018 gubernatorial campaign, and the two enjoyed a period of cooperation. However, their relationship soured during the 2024 GOP presidential nomination race, marked by intense competition and sharp exchanges. Following Trump’s swift victory in the primaries, the two appeared to reconcile, with DeSantis even assisting in fundraising efforts for Trump’s general election campaign.
Despite their apparent truce, tensions resurfaced after Donalds entered the gubernatorial race. DeSantis appeared to subtly criticize Donalds, emphasizing the congressman’s lack of involvement in the state’s recent political victories. Since those remarks, DeSantis has refrained from directly attacking Donalds but has consistently highlighted his wife’s achievements as Florida’s first lady, implicitly positioning her as a strong contender for the governorship.
Casey DeSantis added fuel to the speculation when reporters questioned her about a potential run. Quoting the late Yogi Berra, she stated, "If you see a fork in the road, take it," leaving observers to interpret her statement as a veiled hint of her ambitions. Sources confirmed that Gov. DeSantis was reaching out to donors on behalf of his wife.
Donalds, when asked about Casey DeSantis, acknowledged the former congressman DeSantis’s debt to Trump’s support in his 2018 election, expressing honor at having the same support as President Trump. He portrayed Trump as having "a history of making good picks, and I think his picks have always worked out for the Sunshine State. "
The evolving dynamics in Florida’s political landscape underscore the significance of Trump’s influence within the Republican Party. His endorsement carries considerable weight, potentially shaping the outcome of the gubernatorial primary. However, the potential candidacy of Casey DeSantis introduces a new layer of complexity, given her popularity and her husband’s extensive network and resources.
As the primary approaches, the candidates are expected to focus on engaging with Florida’s voters and presenting their visions for the state’s future. The eventual winner of the Republican primary is widely considered the front-runner for the general election, given Florida’s increasingly Republican lean. DeSantis secured re-election in 2022 by a substantial margin, and Trump carried the state in the 2020 presidential election, further solidifying the GOP’s dominance in the Sunshine State.
The unfolding gubernatorial race promises to be a captivating and closely watched contest, with the interplay of personalities, endorsements, and policy platforms shaping the future of Florida’s leadership.
