DeSantis Hints at Wife’s Gubernatorial Bid Amid Trump Rivalry

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suggested his wife, Casey DeSantis, could run for governor in 2026, a statement that comes just days after President Donald Trump endorsed Representative Byron Donalds as his favored candidate for the same race. Speaking to reporters in Tampa on Monday, DeSantis praised his wife as a committed conservative who could enhance his governance legacy. He expressed confidence that she would engage voters even more effectively than he did during his 2022 election, where he won by nearly 20 points.

“She’s somebody that has the intestinal fortitude and the dedication to conservative principles,” he said. “Anything we’ve accomplished, she’d be able to take to the next level.” This assertion adds fuel to ongoing speculation regarding Casey DeSantis’ political ambitions, which have gained traction in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Trump’s endorsement of Donalds positions the congressman as a formidable opponent to the DeSantis family legacy. “We’ve achieved victories in Florida,” DeSantis remarked. “A guy like Byron, he just hasn’t been a part of any of the victories that we’ve had here.”

The intersection of Ron DeSantis and Trump’s endorsements has led to potential tension between the two Republican leaders, especially after Trump’s past candidacy against DeSantis during the Republican presidential primary last year. While Ron DeSantis is term-limited and has not ruled out seeking the presidency again in 2028, he remains focused on the upcoming gubernatorial race.

Trump took to social media, urging Donalds to run: “RUN, BYRON, RUN!” he wrote, reaffirming his total that Donalds would be an exceptional governor for Florida. In response, Donalds said he is “honored” to have Trump’s endorsement, hinting at his future plans without explicitly announcing his own candidacy.

Complications continue as Casey DeSantis’ name circulates among GOP donors. Despite her lack of political experience, public opinion data indicates she has significant backing among Floridians, outpacing other potential candidates in favorability ratings.

However, Donalds is not without his controversies. He has faced criticism from DeSantis over his congressional track record and his previous stance on key state issues. “You’ve got a guy like Byron – he just hasn’t been a part of any of the victories that we’ve had here,” DeSantis remarked again, emphasizing a divide in their approaches.

As speculation mounts, the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race is set to become a significant battleground for the Republican Party, with both Casey DeSantis and Byron Donalds potentially competing for the nomination. The dynamics of their campaign strategies could shift in line with endorsements from high-profile figures like Trump and DeSantis.