In a rally in Osceola County on Tuesday evening, Governor Ron DeSantis presented his administration’s conservative achievements as a model for Washington, encouraging support for Navy veteran Dan Green’s campaign for Florida’s 9th Congressional District. DeSantis spoke to a crowd in St. Cloud, located south of Orlando, highlighting his administration’s notable efforts in education policy, budget cuts, and resistance against corporations, advocating for voters to adopt this assertive approach in Congress.
Reflecting on his experiences, DeSantis emphasized the importance of delivering tangible results, rather than merely making a show on social media. He claimed that Florida’s governance has successfully tackled major challenges, citing victories against various influential entities. “We beat Dr. Fauci on COVID. We beat Disney on gender ideology. We beat Soros on crime,” he declared, listing these achievements as evidence of strong leadership.
DeSantis noted that true leadership is tested during difficult times, distinguishing between merely popular choices and those requiring courage. He highlighted his dedication to prioritizing core beliefs over political convenience, recalling criticisms he faced for not closing beaches or schools during the pandemic. “People thought I was wasting my governorship,” he said. “But my role is to protect the liberties of the people I serve.”
He took pride in his confrontation with Disney, stating that no previous governor had challenged the corporation like he did. DeSantis framed this conflict as a fight for societal values, questioning whether society should promote gender changes to young children or uphold foundational truths. “We fought, and we won,” he asserted, reinforcing his narrative of standing firm against powerful opposition.
Addressing the state’s financial health, DeSantis asserted that Florida has decreased its budget for four consecutive years, contrasting this with the national debt exceeding $40 trillion. “During my time, we’ve retired 54% of the state’s debt,” he mentioned, alongside boasting about Florida’s top ranking in education freedom and maintaining the lowest in-state tuition costs.
He also highlighted tax relief measures achieved under his leadership, including eliminating taxes on essential baby items and specific school supplies. However, he stressed the importance of an upcoming vote on Amendment 3, aimed at reducing property taxes. “Vote yes on 3,” he urged, framing it as empowering homeowners against excessive taxation.
As the Republican Party heads into midterms facing potential challenges, DeSantis drew parallels with his narrow victory in 2018, recalling the skepticism he faced about winning in a supposedly unfavorable political climate. “I wasn’t supposed to win,” he said, reflecting on how he defied expectations.
DeSantis emphasized his commitment to lead without being swayed by public opinion polls. He articulated that he aims to govern boldly and authentically, avoiding polling that can distort issues based on question phrasing. “I did not get elected to follow; I was elected to lead,” he asserted confidently.
