It is safe to say that Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) is the GOP's most prominent individual. Now, his rising star status is being recognized. Governor DeSantis has been named one of TIME Magazine's, "most influential people."
The list is complied of the top 100 people in the world for the year of 2022. Other individuals who share this honor with the governor are Podcast giant Joe Rogan, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Categories within the Times' list include artists, innovators, titans, leaders, icons and pioneers.
For DeSantis' feature on the list, former-Governor Jeb Bush (R-FL) wrote some flattering words about DeSantis and why he deserves this honor:
"During the pandemic, most people stayed home, and those who didn’t probably moved to Florida. Despite relentless criticism, Governor Ron DeSantis kept schools open, ensured Florida’s economy remained open for business, and allowed individuals to determine their own risk tolerance. His approach works," said Jeb Bush.
Bush added that "it’s one that has allowed Florida to emerge from the pandemic as a national model of personal freedom, economic growth, environmental protection, and education excellence. Florida continues to see record population growth, unemployment remains below the national average, the private sector is growing, and Florida remains a national leader in school choice. On top of that, DeSantis has demonstrated his environmental credentials with major investments to restore America’s Everglades, preserve and expand wildlife corridors, and protect Florida’s precious waterways."
The former governor summarized, "While the Beltway crowd may not like his style, it’s his record that will become his legacy."
On top of this news, and DeSantis beating Trump in a Wisconsin straw-poll, DeSantis' influence is now stretching farther than the state of Florida, throwing him in the presidential conversation for 2024.
