May 30, 2021 - Politics & Policy

DeSantis rises as COVID falls

Mike Allen

President Trump greets Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last September at West Palm Beach International Airport. Photo: Evan Vucci/AP

A year ago, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was struggling to contain COVID, the state's economy was in tatters, and cases and deaths were rising.

Now his stature has risen as he heads into his reelection race next year — and he's a top-tier Republican for 2024 if former President Trump doesn't run, AP's Bobby Caina Calvan writes.

Why it matters: DeSantis remained defiant in the face of attacks on his hardline opposition to mask mandates and lockdowns.

"Hold the line. Don't back down," he told a crowd at a party fundraiser in Pittsburgh in May. "And in the state of Florida, with me as governor, I have only begun to fight."

The big picture: Earlier this month DeSantis signed an executive order ending all local COVID-19 emergency orders, effectively stopping the enforcement of restrictions across Florida.

Later in May he said he intends to pardon "any Floridian" facing "outstanding infractions" for violating COVID-19 guidances, such as mask mandates and social distancing.

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DeSantis rises as COVID falls

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