In a potential shake-up for Florida politics, Casey DeSantis is considering entering the gubernatorial race for 2026. Republican donors in Palm Beach County have raised the possibility, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown.
NBC News reported that Casey DeSantis, currently the First Lady of Florida and spouse to Governor Ron DeSantis, has seen her political profile rise significantly following her active participation in her husband's campaigns.
Her burgeoning visibility has sparked conversations among Republican donors about her potential candidacy. These discussions took place recently in Palm Beach County, signaling serious interest from key political figures in her run.
According to sources, the idea of Casey DeSantis running for governor was seriously floated at a gathering of Republican financiers.
They expressed enthusiasm over her candidacy, persuading her to consider a bid actively. "I would say this: I have heard donors have been urging her to run and that while it's not something she has wanted to do, they are causing her to at least stop and listen," said one insider familiar with the discussions.
The potential for Casey DeSantis to step into the gubernatorial race could transform the political landscape in Florida.
It comes at a time when her husband, Governor Ron DeSantis, is barred from seeking another term due to term limits. This opens a significant opportunity within the Republican Party that several contenders are eyeing.
Apart from Casey DeSantis, several other Republican figures are rumored to be contemplating gubernatorial bids. Representative Byron Donalds and State Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson are among those who might declare their candidacies.
Donalds, a well-known ally of Donald Trump, and Simpson are seen as strong contenders, adding complexity to the race dynamics.
Ron DeSantis himself had previously shown support for Ashley Moody for governor. However, his decision to appoint her to the Senate necessitated revisiting his gubernatorial preferences.
The governor plans to back a candidate through his political committee, the Florida Freedom Fund, which has been instrumental in past campaigns, according to his statements on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Speculation about Casey DeSantis's potential run has been stoked by her public remarks. While she has not formally declared her intentions, comments made in a public forum suggest she recognizes the support stemming from her husband's success.
"I will tell you this when people talk about me running for governor, I think it speaks highly about the governor himself," she stated in a podcast, highlighting the positive public perception of Governor DeSantis's administration.
This scenario is complicated further by the historically nuanced relationships between Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump, and other GOP members like Donalds and Simpson. Their past interactions and alliances could influence the choices of voters and other political entities within the state.
The entry of Casey DeSantis into the gubernatorial fray could significantly shape the strategic landscape of both Florida and national politics.
With various factions within the Republican Party positioning themselves ahead of the 2026 election, her candidacy represents more than just a continuation of the DeSantis political brand—it could redefine the power dynamics within the GOP at both state and national levels.