TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The prospect of Casey DeSantis stepping into the political arena has been a topic buzzing around Florida’s state capital for quite some time. Recently, her husband, Governor Ron DeSantis, fueled the conversation by hinting that she might be a potential contender for his gubernatorial position.
Under Florida law, governors are restricted to serving two consecutive terms. This prevents the current Republican governor from seeking immediate reelection in 2026, even though future candidacy is not out of the question. As his tenure draws to an end, DeSantis is amplifying his wife’s profile while simultaneously critiquing former President Donald Trump’s choice, Representative Byron Donalds.
“There’s a lot of talk about her possibly running, but she’s never actively pursued any position. That’s just not who she is,” Ron DeSantis remarked during a press briefing on Monday. He also confidently declared that she “would do better than me. There’s no doubt about that.”
Casey DeSantis is already recognized as one of her husband’s closest advisors. While Governor DeSantis is renowned for having limited patience for the intricacies of political networking, his enduring partnership with Casey highlights her influence. During his bid for the Republican presidential nomination against Trump, Casey emerged as a key representative. As a 44-year-old mother of three, she aimed to present a softer persona of their ambitious duo, particularly in Iowa, where voters value personal connections.
Often receiving more applause than the governor himself, Casey frequently shared insights into their family life, emphasizing values of kinship and community. Her background as a TV journalist is also noteworthy. Originally from Ohio, she later moved to South Carolina before completing her degree in economics at the College of Charleston. Her career took her to Jacksonville, Florida, where she worked as a producer, on-air host, and eventually as a talk show host, refining her media expertise and public persona.
In her capacity as Florida’s first lady, Casey DeSantis has championed numerous initiatives, especially those focused on supporting children, families, and mental health. Known to often appear publicly alongside her husband and children, she has been a visible advocate at various public events. Her leadership of the “Hope Florida” program is particularly noteworthy. This state initiative connects residents facing economic hardships with a network of faith-based organizations and local community groups, providing assistance with essential needs such as housing, groceries, and job training.
Additionally, she has collaborated with Florida’s Department of Education to introduce “character standards” in schools, aiming to instill qualities such as resilience, responsibility, and respect among students.
Her personal battle with cancer has also shaped her public role. In 2021, it was revealed that Casey had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Following her surgery and chemotherapy, she was declared cancer-free in 2022. Since then, she has advocated for early screenings and intervention, meeting with patients across the state and raising awareness. In response to her diagnosis, the governor also sanctioned a $100 million recurring fund geared towards cancer research and care initiatives.
