Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor, is trying to revive his political career after a rough presidential campaign. His bid for the White House ended in disappointment, especially after losing to Donald Trump, who he had been openly critical of during his campaign. After stepping out of the race, DeSantis quickly endorsed Trump, which surprised many.
Since his campaign ended, DeSantis’s popularity has taken a hit. Supporters of Trump, known as the MAGA base, seem to have lost faith in him. Despite this setback, DeSantis is not giving up on his aspirations for higher office. His team is now working to keep him relevant and position him for a potential run in 2028. However, the same issues that plagued his presidential campaign still linger.
One of the key strategies for DeSantis is to support his wife, Casey, in her potential candidacy for governor in 2026. He cannot run again due to term limits, so having Casey take the reins could help maintain their political legacy. Casey has garnered positive attention for her charisma and strong public approval ratings, especially after her battle with cancer. Her connection to Ron’s political network could also give her an advantage.
However, Casey faces a significant challenge: Trump has already endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds for the governor’s race. In an effort to win over Trump, Casey has taken a more cordial approach, even playing golf with him recently. This friendly strategy aims to keep Trump from actively campaigning against her.
DeSantis’s team seems to have learned from his previous campaign mistakes. Rather than directly confronting Trump, they are targeting Andrew Tate, a controversial figure who has drawn criticism from conservative commentators. DeSantis publicly stated that the Tate brothers are unwelcome in Florida, and the state attorney general is investigating them for alleged human trafficking.
While this investigation may appeal to DeSantis’s remaining supporters, it could backfire if Trump perceives it as an attack. DeSantis needs to rebuild his relationship with Trump to keep his political dreams alive. The focus on Tate, a figure not widely recognized outside of online circles, might distract from more pressing issues that voters care about.
Despite the challenges, there is still hope for DeSantis. If Trump decides to stay out of the Florida governor’s race, Casey could have a strong chance of winning. This could also pave the way for Ron to re-enter the presidential race in 2028. Nonetheless, his personality issues remain a concern. Many believe that his lack of charisma contributed to his campaign’s failure.
The political landscape is changing, and other figures are emerging as potential challengers. DeSantis’s moment in the spotlight may have passed, and he might find himself in a supporting role if Casey runs for office. As the political scene evolves, it will be interesting to see how the DeSantis family navigates their future ambitions.