TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As Governor Ron DeSantis nears the conclusion of his second term, he has begun to lift the curtain on who he sees fit to inherit his position as Florida’s governor in 2026—his wife, Casey DeSantis. Meanwhile, he’s been taking jabs at former President Donald Trump’s preferred candidate for the role.
During a press engagement in Tampa on Monday, DeSantis praised his wife as a dedicated conservative who could expand upon his achievements. He expressed confidence in her ability to engage more voters than he did. Notably, DeSantis achieved a landslide reelection in 2022, securing victory with nearly a 20-point margin.
“She’s someone I believe possesses the resolve and commitment to uphold conservative values,” DeSantis noted about his wife. “If we talk about progress made, she has the capability to elevate it even further.”
These comments came shortly after Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican known for his active role in Trump’s campaign and appearances on broadcast platforms.
“We’ve scored significant victories in Florida,” DeSantis remarked. “Byron, however, hasn’t been part of our triumphs against the left during the past years.”
DeSantis’ statements signal a potential rivalry between the Florida governor and Trump, who decisively beat him in the recent chase for the Republican presidential nomination. DeSantis, currently constrained by term limits, may pursue the presidency again in 2028. He is also working towards mending his ties with Trump.
Casey DeSantis’ ambitions have been a long-standing topic of speculation in Tallahassee, with recent tensions between the governor and Trump supporters in the Florida Legislature spurring increased discussion.
Ex-President Trump had complimented Donalds’ potential as Florida’s governor and indicated full support for his candidacy should he choose to run for the office.
Donalds’ office has not provided an immediate response to inquiries. He addressed attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference following Trump’s endorsement, encouraging them to “stay tuned” for updates on his political intentions.
Former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz, a notable Trump backer, voiced disappointment in DeSantis’ remarks through a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I’m disheartened by this,” Gaetz expressed. “Governor DeSantis, don’t you recall when you, Byron, and I collaborated to ensure your success in 2018? We were side by side during debate prep.”
