Feb 24, 2025 - Politics & Policy

DeSantis touts wife as potential political successor, setting up clash with Trump

Ivana Saric

Ron DeSantis listens to his wife Casey DeSantis speak during a campaign stop at the Greenville Convention Center in Greenville, South Carolina, on June 2, 2023 — Ron and Casey DeSantis during a campaign stop in Greenville, South Carolina in June 2023. Photo: Logan Cyrus/AFP via Getty Images

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday suggested his wife, Casey DeSantis, could be a formidable candidate in the 2026 Florida governor's race, while taking a swipe at President Trump's preferred candidate in the election.

Why it matters: With DeSantis term-limited and potentially eyeing a 2028 presidential run, the Florida governor's race could set up a battle of wills between the president and one of the most prominent GOP governors in the country.

Driving the news: DeSantis told reporters Monday that his wife had the "intestinal fortitude and the dedication to conservative principles" that would make her an ideal political successor, AP reported.

DeSantis handily won reelection in 2022 and championed conservative causes like restricting gender-affirming care, vowed that his wife would be able to continue his legacy.
"Anything we've accomplished, she'd be able to take to the next level," he said.

State of play: Casey DeSantis, a cancer survivor and former broadcast news anchor, has not held political office before, but has frequently campaigned on her husband's behalf, appearing in ads and at political events.

DeSantis' endorsement of his wife comes just days after Trump threw a curveball into the Florida governor's race by backing U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R), though Donalds has not formally entered the race.
DeSantis took a swipe at Donalds Monday, telling reporters that the latter "hasn't been a part of any of the victories that we've had here over the left over these last years," per AP.

State of play: DeSantis and Trump have long had a strained relationship.

DeSantis ran against Trump in the 2024 GOP presidential primary, but ultimately dropped out of the race and endorsed Trump.
DeSantis has a history of criticizing Trump, including over his handling of the COVID pandemic as well as his flip-flopping on abortion.
On the flip side, Trump has repeatedly attacked DeSantis for being insufficiently loyal and previously gave him the disparaging nickname "Ron DeSanctimonious."

Go deeper: Exclusive: Byron Donalds wouldn't commit to certifying election results as Trump's VP

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DeSantis touts wife as potential political successor, setting up clash with Trump

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