Eyeing a run for president, Ron DeSantis wants to 'Make America Florida'

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at an annual leadership meeting of the Republican Jewish Coalition on Nov. 19, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

He hasn’t yet entered the contest for the Republican presidential nomination, but even so, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is one of the leading candidates. In polls of possible nominees, he rivals and sometimes surpasses former President Donald Trump. DeSantis has just released a new book that highlights his pugnacious style and hardline stance on issues ranging from education to public health.

During his first term as Florida governor, he became well-known nationally through his frequent appearances on Fox News taking a hardline conservative position on issues ranging from education to public health.

November’s election was disappointing for Republicans in many states. But not in Florida, where Gov. DeSantis won reelection by nearly 20 points. At his victory celebration, supporters cheered as he pledged to continue his campaign against ideas, policies and laws he derides as “woke.”