As we predicted, Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis made clear she is considering hopping in the gubernatorial race to succeed her husband, two-term Gov. Ron DeSantis, who will leave the governorship in January 2027, National Review reports.
Said the governor: “My view is just like, you know, she’d be great whatever she does, but I’ve been the most conservative governor in America. I’ve delivered the most conservative results, and they could say she would be as conservative or more conservative than me. So there you go.”
Things are shaping up to be interesting because Trump, last month, endorsed longtime suck-up Florida U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds for governor.
Given the tense relationship between Trump and Governor DeSantis, it makes perfect sense that the governor has chosen not to align himself with the president. And it’s even better he can support his wife at the same time.
Prediction: This one is too early to call, but I’d make Casey DeSantis the slight favorite. Even though Trump secured a significant victory in Florida during the presidential election, it’s important to understand that his supporters don’t always align with or vote for the candidates he endorses. Second, if Trump’s approval rating is in the gutter by this election – and that appears to be where it’s headed – Donalds’s chances of defeating DeSantis will be remote at best.
Lastly, a Democrat candidate should not be ruled out. If, by November 2026, MAGA Republicans have fallen out of favor with Floridians, neither Casey DeSantis nor Byron Donalds will win. Florida is still well-capable of electing a Democrat governor.