Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to formally announce his entry into the 2024 presidential campaign next week, according to three people familiar with the planning. The governor will file papers with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) coinciding with a Miami gathering of some of his most generous longtime donors.
These supporters are anticipated to receive briefings on campaign strategy and requests for help in raising significant funds for DeSantis's bid. As he has been traveling across the country, promoting his new book and touting his legislative record as governor, DeSantis has highlighted bipartisan bills that would increase teacher pay, lower prescription drug prices, and cut taxes for home goods.
Currently serving his second term as Florida governor after being reelected by nearly a 20-point margin in November 2022, DeSantis's prominence within the Republican Party rose during his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He gained national attention when lifting lockdowns on businesses and reopening in-person schooling sooner than other states.
DeSantis is set to officially announce his candidacy on May 25th following television advertisements run by pro-DeSantis super PAC Never Back Down criticizing Donald Trump. In preparation for this announcement, DeSantis has built up hard-right credentials throughout this month by increasing restrictions on discussing gender in schools, eliminating diversity programs at colleges, and signing a six-week abortion ban into law.
Political analyst Karen Thomas said: "Governor Ron DeSantis is positioning himself as a strong contender within the conservative wing of the Republican Party while simultaneously trying to build broader appeal through initiatives like lowering prescription drug costs."
As more candidates join what promises to be an intensely competitive race for nomination within both parties leading up to 2024 elections – including former President Donald Trump potentially running again – it remains uncertain how much support from key GOP figures such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy DeSantis will receive. Still, his early entry into the race is sure to energize Republican voters.
Florida resident and longtime DeSantis supporter Michael Johnson stated: "I believe Governor DeSantis has done an exceptional job leading our state through difficult times, particularly during the pandemic. I'm excited to see what he can bring to the national stage as a presidential candidate."