Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his wife Casey DeSantis had been considering their political futures over the past few weeks. With rumors swirling that Casey DeSantis was contemplating a run for governor in 2026, the couple had been cautioning donors and key Republican supporters against throwing their weight behind Rep. Byron Donalds.
However, everything changed last Thursday when President Donald Trump made a single social media post endorsing Donalds. This endorsement not only derailed the efforts to promote Casey DeSantis but also threw a wrench into the plan to secure Governor DeSantis’ conservative legacy in preparation for a potential presidential run.
Sources revealed that Governor DeSantis had reached out to donors and potential supporters urging them to hold off on backing Donalds. There were whispers of a potential meeting between the governor, the first lady, and Trump during a visit to Washington, although it remains unclear if the meeting took place.
Now, Governor DeSantis, who has been a prominent figure in Florida politics, may be leaving office without a clear successor dedicated to upholding his conservative agenda. Throughout his tenure, DeSantis has made headlines for his stance on Covid-19 protocols, gender, and racial identity issues.
In response to Trump’s endorsement of Donalds, Governor DeSantis publicly criticized the congressman, suggesting that he focus on his duties in Congress. DeSantis also expressed confidence that if Casey DeSantis were to run for governor, she would win by a larger margin than he did in 2022.
Despite the setback, some allies of Trump believe that his endorsement will ultimately determine the outcome of the 2026 election in Florida, a firmly Republican state. Meanwhile, Casey DeSantis is reportedly still considering a run for governor, despite the turn of events.
Lobbyists and donors in Tallahassee had viewed Casey DeSantis as a potential successor to Governor DeSantis, citing her initiatives such as Hope Florida as evidence of her qualifications. Some even suggested that she could help preserve and amplify the governor’s policies and changes to state government.
With the field of potential heirs dwindling, DeSantis faces a dilemma on how to proceed. His strained relationship with Trump and other Republicans, as well as the changing political landscape, add complexity to the situation. The question remains: How will the DeSantises navigate this new political landscape and secure their legacies in Florida politics?
