DeSantis's Push for Term Limits Popular Among Voters [Video]

In 2018, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) announced his first bid to run for governor of Florida. At the time of his announcement, he was an average Joe congressman who repressed Conservative reforms in government. Then-Congressman DeSantis would go on to win the election, defeating his opponent, former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum by a slim margin.

Eventually, DeSantis became known for his reasserting of his conservative politics and willingness to tackle controversial policies, and a strong tendency to engage in culture wars.

However, Gov. Ron DeSantis’s claims to push for term limits, and his personal vow to not take a pension from Congress, highlight a milder side of the governor that often goes unseen.

Speaking to an audience of about 500 on Florida’s term limits when he announced his gubernatorial campaign in 2018, DeSantis stated, “Now, I’m fighting for both of those in Washington, but there is much more resistance there because people want to continue business as usual.”

“Florida is taking the lead. As Governor,  I’ll work with governors and legislators in other states to move the Article 5 process forward.  We have to go around Congress to impose term limits and a balanced budget amendment— we need to do this for the future of our country,” said DeSantis.

The idea of enforcing term limits is by no means an unpopular political opinion, with 82% of American voters agreeing with it. Moreover, it is probably one of the few DeSantis positions that would receive limited opposition from voters.

DeSantis is not alone in his desire for term limits.

Last year, Florida Congressman Byron Donalds (R) stated that he was not a “congressional lifer” and that he was “very supportive” of congressional term limits.

Despite widespread approval from voters, the concept of term limits does not come without skepticism. Many American voters have grown tired and become disappointed with the United States Congress’ efforts. However, though their approval rating is extremely low, congressional term limits, technically, could have undesirable effects. These include an influx of inexperienced congressmen being brought in at a steady rate, removing effective lawmakers based on principle alone, as well as a variety of other reasons.

Nevertheless, with voters showing clear approval for the policy, it is certainly beneficial for DeSantis to continue to push for congressional term limits.