U.S. Congressman Ron DeSantis (R) is finally entering the governor’s race in Florida after months of teasing the idea.
DeSantis told the POLITICO that he was “excited about taking he first steps towards a campaign for governor,” adding that he was looking to “build on” what current Gov. Rick Scott has done for the state.
While DeSantis left many speculating on if and when he would make the big decision to run, it wasn’t until President Trump tweeted his support for the 3-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives
“Congressman Ron DeSantis is a brilliant young leader, Yale and then Harvard Law, who would make a GREAT Governor of Florida,” Trump said on Twitter. “He loves our Country and is a true FIGHTER!”
DeSantis played it right. He measured the political climate and focused on lining up his donor base. But in looking back at the past year, DeSantis’ decision to run was put off a couple of times during 2017.
Yes, DeSantis came very close to announcing last summer at the Volusia County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner, but for whatever reason, the decision was called off at the last minute.
Now the all eyes turn to Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran, who is also expected to announce his candidacy for governor, but not until after the 2018 legislative session concludes.
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam has already announced his candidacy, setting up what could be a ‘very colorful’ Republican primary election.
The table is already set. This GOP primary election will be about which candidate sell his conservative bona fides the best to Floridians.
The Democrats have their own hotly contested gubernatorial primary race to contend. Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, former Congresswoman Gwen Graham, and Miami Beach Mayor Phillip Levine have all entered their respective race.
