DeSantis Prepares for Potential 2028 Presidential Run
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is traveling across the nation to fortify his prospects for a 2028 presidential bid. He’s refining his message, establishing connections, and attempting to bounce back from a tough defeat to Donald Trump in 2024.
The 47-year-old, who cannot run for reelection in Florida, started his week at the Milken Institute World Conference in Beverly Hills. He is also set to speak at the New York Republican Party’s annual gala on May 19 at Manhattan’s Plaza Hotel.
“I’m in my mid-40s. I think there’s plenty of time for me in 28 years, probably more,” DeSantis remarked on Monday when discussing his presidential ambitions.
In a conversation with The Post’s Charles Gasparino during a moderated debate, he expressed uncertainty about future elections but seemed to rally support for his campaign.
DeSantis emphasized his political acumen by citing his initial election win in a Democratic-leaning state in 2018 and the subsequent growth in the Republican voter base in Florida.
“Have you ever seen a state with a $1 trillion economy now balloon to $1.8 trillion? Think about school choice, which is now universal,” he noted, highlighting achievements during his tenure while articulating a narrative for his potential campaign.
A Republican source commented to The Post that it’s clear DeSantis is positioning himself for the election.
“I believe he genuinely thinks he has a shot,” a GOP operative said. “He’s likely to place high in Iowa.” While Trump has managed to recover from a turbulent campaign in 2024, some of his allies may relish another chance to challenge DeSantis.
“The Trump team is quite intent on outmaneuvering DeSantis again,” a longtime operative revealed.
When he initiated his first presidential campaign three years ago, DeSantis was viewed as an emerging leader who could redirect Trump’s often disruptive populism into a unified agenda focusing on low taxes and conservative principles.
Now, he seems to be mending relationships, particularly with Trump, and there’s speculation he might secure a cabinet position after his term in Tallahassee ends.
“He’s immensely capable and effective as a governor, fulfilling his commitments,” said Christina Pushaw, a former spokesperson for DeSantis, suggesting he might attract independent voters.
Republican insiders agree, “Many people seem to like DeSantis.” One operative noted that DeSantis realizes his window for a presidential run is limited.
Recently, he also signed legislation to rename an airport in West Palm Beach in Trump’s honor and pushed for a Trump presidential library in Miami. His administration’s redistricting efforts have raised concerns among Democrats, particularly regarding the House of Representatives.
Despite earlier jabs from Trump on social media, DeSantis has publicly shown they can maintain a cordial relationship, even playing golf together recently.
However, Trump supporters remain cautious, and competition for the 2028 nomination is expected to be fierce.
Polling suggests Vice President J.D. Vance presently has strong chances for the nomination, with Marco Rubio also seen as a contender. Other figures, like Senator Ted Cruz, are likely to explore their own campaigns.
“Everyone’s buzzing about Rubio — he seems to be the favored choice among many, even in places like Palm Beach,” a Florida operative stated. Some believe that Vance’s prospects might be diminishing, though many factors could change before the primaries.
“A lot can change in the upcoming months,” said a former staffer, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of political dynamics.
DeSantis is noted as a results-oriented conservative, but there are doubts regarding whether he and his team have fully grasped the lessons from past campaigns.
Born in 1978, he has frequently referenced his humble beginnings. DeSantis, a former Navy officer, served in the U.S. House before being elected governor in 2018 after a narrow victory over Democrat Andrew Gillum. He secured re-election in 2022 against Charlie Crist by a significant margin.
MAGA Support Remains Uncertain
DeSantis’ previous bid for the presidency diverged from Trump’s stance on various issues, yet skepticism remains among Trump’s supporter base, particularly regarding the governor’s social demeanor.
He has criticized Trump for shifting on issues like economy and immigration and distanced himself from past controversies, asserting he wouldn’t follow in Trump’s footsteps of scandal-driven politics.
Following the primary, Trump’s resounding victory in both popular and electoral votes marked a notable comeback. The push to reinstate Trump is being led by Susie Wiles, a Florida political veteran who previously worked with DeSantis.
Despite a past dismissal from DeSantis, insiders believe there are no lingering hostilities between Wiles and the governor.
Trump acknowledged he might consider appointing DeSantis to a cabinet role, but current speculation suggests that DeSantis may not join the administration.
Support for a cabinet role, like Attorney General, might be more prudent. However, challenges remain if he pursues a presidential run, with some suggesting certain positions may not align with his goals.
Even with Trump’s favorable remarks toward DeSantis, many core supporters remain skeptical of his alignment with their movement.
Critics have suggested that DeSantis’ transformation in relation to Trump seems inauthentic.
Notably, Trump has a history of mending fences with former adversaries, as evidenced by his evolving rapport with Rubio over the years.
As the political landscape shifts, the dynamics between DeSantis and Trump will be worth monitoring as both navigate the complexities of their ambitions.
