On Friday, enabling DeSantis to run for a higher office without resigning from his post, Florida lawmakers cleared an exemption to the state’s “resign-to-run” law. The legislative act would allow Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) to run for president in 2024 and still keep his current office.
By a 28-12 vote earlier this week, the exemption passed Florida’s Senate, and the state House approved it on Friday by a 76-34 margin. Under Florida’s “resign-to-run” law, DeSantis would have been required to resign as governor before announcing a presidential run. Now, the lawmakers have exempted officeholders from the “resign-to-run” provision if they run for president or vice president. The bill now heads to DeSantis’s desk for his signature.
If he makes a successful bid for the White House, DeSantis, who was reelected to a four-year term in 2022, would not have to resign until his inauguration in 2025. Next month at the end of Florida’s legislative session, Governor DeSantis is widely expected to officially enter the Republican presidential primary race.
Florida Rep. Michelle Salzman (R) explained-
“The Senate bill settles the issue by making it abundantly clear that the “resign-to-run” law does not apply to persons seeking the office of president or vice president, and the bill explicitly exempts candidates running for president or vice president from the “resign-to-run” law, and defines the term “qualify” to mean all offices that are the President or Vice President.”
- Rep. Michelle Salzman (R) FL
Florida Democrats expressed concern that the legislation was giving DeSantis special privileges by carving out the exemption to state law. The rhetoric in debate was calm but to the point.
State Rep. Angie Nixon (D) argued during the floor debate-
“Why are we signing off on allowing Ron DeSantis the ability to not do his job?”
Rep. Angie Nixon (D) FL
And Florida Rep. Ashley Gantt (D)-
“I think that we need to definitely make sure that we are consistent, and that we make sure that we don’t change the rules for who we like, or who we don’t like. The greater point of it all is we need to make sure that we continue to make Floridians or have Floridians have the ability to have access to the ballot.”
-Rep. Ashley Gantt (D) FL
While DeSantis was wrapping up an international trip, that many have come to believe is a precursor to his presidential run, the Florida House approved these election law changes. The modification of the law will become formal, when DeSantis signs it. The change allows DeSantis a clear path, to declaring his spot in the 2024 presidential race. At this point, he is expected to announce his intent sooner than later. Stay tuned.
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."
-Abraham Lincoln