DeSantis Running For Governor?
Florida’s First Lady, Casey DeSantis, has sparked rumors that she may run for governor in 2026, fueling speculation during a press conference on Friday alongside her husband, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL). When asked about her future political plans, the first lady offered a cryptic response, quoting legendary MLB player Yogi Berra: “When you find yourself at a fork in the road, take it.” Her statement left many wondering about her political ambitions, drawing a lighthearted reaction from the governor, who then added, “You guys can read into that what you want.”
Governor DeSantis further fueled the speculation, reflecting on how much people have urged him over the years to encourage his wife to step into the political arena. “She’s passionate, articulate, smart, and she has rock-solid values,” he said. The governor also recalled a conversation with the late conservative icon, Rush Limbaugh, who praised Casey DeSantis, claiming she was even more conservative than he was.
The DeSantis family made these remarks at an event held at the Florida International University Academic Health Center, which focused on funding for cancer research. As a breast cancer survivor, Casey DeSantis has become an advocate for cancer awareness and research, further solidifying her presence in Florida’s political landscape.
Meanwhile, Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) entered the race for governor earlier this week, becoming the first Republican to announce his candidacy. Donalds has received the formal endorsement of former President Donald Trump, setting the stage for what could be a heated primary race. Tensions between DeSantis and Donalds escalated during the 2024 presidential primary, especially when Donalds endorsed Trump over DeSantis. The two also clashed over DeSantis’ educational guidelines for teaching African American history in Florida schools.
Although Governor DeSantis had initially considered appointing now-Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) as his successor, he eventually chose her for a different role, leaving room for other candidates, including his wife, to step into the race. With Casey DeSantis potentially entering the fray, the stage is set for a fascinating GOP primary battle, one that may mirror the broader Trump-DeSantis rivalry.
However, Donalds downplayed talk of a proxy battle, telling The Hill, “It’s too soon for all of that. Let’s see what happens.” He expressed confidence in his own campaign, saying the response from Floridians has been overwhelmingly positive and that he is uncertain how the primary will unfold. With key figures like DeSantis, Donalds, and potentially Casey DeSantis in the mix, the 2026 governor’s race promises to be a high-stakes showdown that will captivate Republicans across the state.
