Once Seen As Future Of GOP, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Popularity Plummets Amid Scandal Involving Wife Casey

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is facing a declining popularity following his decision to run against Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election and a charity scandal involving his wife. 

In his first term, DeSantis was well-liked and believed to be the “future” of the Republican Party. He was re-elected as Florida governor by a large margin and appeared on a rapid upward trajectory. However, his previous control over Florida’s Republican-led legislature has eroded, with state House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Florida) accusing him of telling “lies and stories that never happened” and having “temper tantrums.”

DeSantis appears increasingly sidelined on the national stage. His presidential campaign failed to generate momentum and angered many Trump loyalists, leaving DeSantis politically isolated.

Meanwhile, Trump has elevated other Florida Republicans, including Marco Rubio and Byron Donalds, bypassing DeSantis entirely. When asked recently to name his successors, Trump did not mention DeSantis.

Another key source of tension is a growing scandal involving Hope Florida, a nonprofit initiative founded by his wife, Casey DeSantis. Lawmakers are investigating how $10 million from a $67 million legal settlement intended for Florida taxpayers was funneled through the organization and ultimately directed to political action committees aligned with the governor. Casey is also rumored to be planning to run for governor, extending her husband’s legacy.

Despite the setbacks, some caution against writing off the governor completely. DeSantis could still mount a comeback with time left in his term and a strong conservative policy record. For now, though, the former superstar of the Republican Party faces the reality of a weakened hold on power and an increasingly questionable legacy.

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Article by Evelyn Qiu