Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Launches Presidential Bid
Ron DeSantis, Reuters
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially announced his candidacy for the presidency, vowing to bring “sanity back to our society” and lead a “great American comeback.”
In a one-minute launch video, DeSantis criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of the southern border, crime, and the economy. He also highlighted his legislative accomplishments in Florida as a blueprint for the nation.
DeSantis is considered the most formidable primary challenger to former President Donald Trump, with both routinely polling in the double-digits. However, DeSantis has faced attacks from Trump and his allies, who have spent millions on negative advertising against him. Despite this, DeSantis has remained focused on his message and legislative record.
Unorthodox Media Strategy
DeSantis has spurned legacy media outlets in favor of conservative alternatives, and his decision to launch his campaign through an online conversation with billionaire Twitter CEO Elon Musk reflects this strategy. While technical issues plagued the conversation’s start, DeSantis used the opportunity to call for an end to the “culture of losing” that has infected the Republican Party in recent years.
DeSantis has emerged as a GOP star by rejecting COVID-era lockdowns, vaccine mandates, and school mask requirements, policies he says made Florida the “freest state” in America. He has also shown an eagerness to wade into cultural fights, such as signing legislation that prohibits public schools from providing “classroom instruction” on “sexual orientation or gender identity” from kindergarten through third grade.
Next Steps
DeSantis plans to hold events across several early primary states after the Memorial Day holiday, according to NBC News. He will also hold a tele-townhall with a national slate of voters and meet with top campaign donors at a Miami retreat.
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