Ron DeSantis' Wife Casey Mulls Running to Replace Him as Florida Governor, Insiders Say
Speculation is once again mounting that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' wife, first lady Casey DeSantis, is considering running to succeed him in 2026.
The topic was brought up at a gathering of Republican donors in Palm Beach County last week, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing five people 'directly familiar' with the event and the Florida first lady's thought process.
The Florida governor is set to leave office in early 2027 as he faces term limits, and his wife, a former news anchor, has often been floated as his potential successor—although the pair have both previously brushed off the possibility.
Ohio native Casey DeSantis, 44, stood by her husband's side throughout his campaign trail as he vied for the U.S. presidency.
Republican donors think she'd be a great fit for the position, insiders said.
'I would say this: I have heard donors have been urging her to run and that while it's not something she has wanted to do, they are causing her to at least stop and listen,' one source familiar with Casey DeSantis' thinking told NBC News.
Another source with knowledge of the conversations told the news outlet 'it is a real possibility' that the Florida first lady could run for office, but said they're unsure whether it's a 'probable scenario.'
The Daily Beast has reached out to Gov. DeSantis' office for comment.
Ron DeSantis said in May that his wife had 'zero' interest in succeeding him as Florida governor, while the first lady herself told the Conservative Review podcast that 'when people talk about me running for governor, I think it speaks highly about the governor himself.'
The breast cancer survivor and mother of three young children has spearheaded four major initiatives since governor DeSantis was elected.
These include Hope Florida–A Pathway to Prosperity, Economic Self-Sufficiency and Hope; Resiliency Florida initiative–a partnership with professional sports teams and athletes; Character Education Standards, to be taught in the state's K-12 schools; and 'The Facts. Your Future.' campaign–a public affairs partnership between the Office of the Attorney General, the Florida Department of Health, and the Florida Department of Education.
David Jolly, an ex-GOP Florida congressperson, told Politico in 2023 that Casey DeSantis was 'every bit as involved in Ron's rise as Ron is himself.'
A Republican lobbyist told the magazine 'she's the power behind the throne,' while a GOP consultant described her as 'the tip of the spear.'
Rep. Byron Donalds, a close ally of President Donald Trump who represents southwest Florida, is also reported to be considering running for governor.
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