TALHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — It may seem far away, but the 2026 governor’s race is already hot. President Donald Trump has his full support behind House Rep. Byron Donald, but Gov. Ron DeSantis doesn’t seem to be on the choice.
For weeks, Gov. Desantis has been playing it cool when she was pushed against her about the first lady running for the governor, and now it seems the tide is turning.
“We were Doge before Doge got cool”: Governa DeSantis deals with Florida’s transportation efficiency
“I won by the largest margin of Republicans ever won the governor’s race in Florida. She’ll do better than me,” the governor said.
DeSantis is shifting gear and has subtly laid the foundations for pitching his wife, Casey DeSantis to future voters.
“I think she’s a person with a gut indomitable spirit and a dedication to conservative principles. Whatever we accomplish, she’ll be able to take her to the next level.” Governor DeSantis said.
Speaking at the global Liberty event, Casey highlighted how Florida could continue to lead as a national model, sharing opportunities she had never imagined.
Desantis announces the “Provincial Doge Task Force”
“I never thought I was talking about the lineup with Victor Davis Hanson and Dr. Scott Atlas on the Bingo Card. I didn’t expect it to be on the Bingo Card, but it’s not here or there,” Casey said. DeSantis said.
But what’s on the First Lady bingo card is a run for the governor.
Recently, “Desantis Duo” reflects the same message as the Floridians.
“Florida can return to its purple state very easily. So, what is the moral of the story? You need to guide, you need to have courage, you can You have to show that it works, you will enact bold policies and you will embrace yourself and be accountable,” Casey DeSantis said.
“I think a lot of people think that somehow the fight has won. We don’t have to worry about it. We can go back very quickly. It can happen, 100%.” said Governor DeSantis. “Are you going to be someone who’s going to fight for people, especially when it’s not easy?”
“Doge-ing of our State University System”: Desantis wants to review the expenditures of university courses
And while Republicans warn conservatives against losing the red wave, Democrats warn Trump’s support is a red flag.
“The fact that President Trump wants Byron Donald to Governor of Florida, that’s a non-starter and wants to see First Lady DeSantis to me, that’s just DeSantis 3.0,” Polk County Democratic Committee said. said John Hill.
Hill added that the two democratic frontlines so far for the governor are House minority leaders and Senate Jason Pizzo. However, he is open to hearing others throw his name into the ring.
“Leader Driskel, I’m a huge fan of her. I think she’ll be a great candidate. We’ll be doing her while she walks temporarily to see what’s going on in our country. I hear that maybe she’s walking a little, and I hope that doesn’t stop her,” Hill said.
But political analyst Tara Newsom wonders, can Dems pull it apart?
“Ron DeSantis has won the overwhelming majority in Florida, and there is another million Republican voters. Democrats have developed that message and are now the right, competitive messenger in the gubernatorial election. We have to make a real effort to be competitive, and it is unclear whether any of these names can do the job at the moment,” Newsom said.
Newsom added that when Bryon and Casey’s names appear, there may still be tension between Desantis and Trump.
“I think certainly the tension between the DeSantis Governor’s residence and the Trump White House is becoming clear,” Newsom said. “Byron Donaldson is Trump’s first approval and knows Casey DeSantis is putting her toes in the water to keep up with governor of 2026, that support of race. Florida Party , the party that backs Donald Trump, and this race may reveal it more than anything else.”
