Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is poised to make a move towards a 2024 presidential campaign, as insider sources speculate he will be announcing his bid in the next couple of weeks. DeSantis, a strong conservative leader, has gained substantial attention and support from his party. His political operation is expected to relocate to Tallahassee on Monday, marking the beginning of a countdown to the first federal election disclosures necessary for a 2024 DeSantis campaign. Sources familiar with the plan confirmed the news, which was originally reported by NBC News.Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Gears up for 2024 Presidential Campaign
The relocation of DeSantis’ headquarters out of the Republican Party of Florida office will likely cost more than $5,000, and therefore trigger a requirement to file with the Federal Elections Committee (FEC). Within 15 days, DeSantis will have to register as a candidate and designate a primary campaign committee, giving us the clearest indication yet of his intent to make a presidential bid in 2024. A representative for the governor, however, declined to give an official statement.
Campaign finance experts have explained that spending more than $5,000 on opening campaign headquarters provides the necessary proof of intent to run for office. At that point, there is no room for debate, and the candidate is obligated to file their paperwork. This significant step for DeSantis shows his commitment to pursuing a possible 2024 presidential run, putting him on the map as a key contender for the nation’s highest office.
Previously, CBS News reported that DeSantis will likely launch his presidential campaign from Florida, although the specifics of the plan remain subject to change. In preparation for a potential federal run, DeSantis has taken steps to distance himself from his ‘Friends of Ron DeSantis’ state political committee, which currently holds over $81 million in cash. This move is crucial before any shift to federal candidacy, as the funds may need to be redirected to a super PAC supportive of a DeSantis 2024 bid.
In recent months, the Florida governor has been on the move, visiting several states with early presidential primaries and battleground states to both promote his new book and to highlight his track record in the Sunshine State. He has branded his approach the ‘Freedom Blueprint,’ appealing to conservative values that resonate with his target audience. This past weekend, DeSantis traveled to Sioux Center, Iowa, to attend an annual family picnic hosted by Representative Randy Feenstra.
Over 600 attendees gathered at the event in Sioux Center, each contributing $50 as a sign of support for Feenstra’s fundraising efforts. Prior to his speech, DeSantis met with more than a dozen Iowa state lawmakers in a closed-door session. According to a source present at the meeting, the session was described as ‘informal but substantive,’ with DeSantis engaging with everyone in a friendly and attentive manner.
As DeSantis begins laying the groundwork for his presidential campaign, a pro-DeSantis political action committee (PAC) called Never Back Down is actively expanding operations in Iowa, recruiting key staff members to assist in their efforts. Information passed along to CBS News revealed that Jake Highfill, a longtime Iowa GOP political strategist and lobbyist, has signed on to manage their team within the state.
During the event at the family picnic, DeSantis touted his own achievements as Florida’s governor, while humorously comparing Florida to the ‘Iowa of the Southeast.’ He referenced similarities in the states’ handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and their approach to tackling education issues. His comment served to underscore the shared conservative values that create a bond between the two states.
The governor’s speech was met with enthusiastic applause, most notably when he declared his commitment to ‘shut down the border immediately’ in order to address illegal immigration, a key issue for conservatives. This statement serves as another example of DeSantis’ dedication to the core concerns of his voter base and his potential strength as a presidential candidate.
While not making any direct reference to former President Donald Trump, DeSantis emphasized that effective governance is about more than entertainment or building a personal brand through social media. Instead, he asserted that success in leadership hinges on achieving tangible results and being victorious in political battles, subtly contrasting his own approach with that of the previous administration.
Interestingly, a rally hosted by Trump was scheduled to take place on the same day as DeSantis’ appearance in Des Moines, Iowa, but ended up being canceled due to inclement weather conditions. This coincidence underscores the divide within the GOP as the party navigates the balance of Trump’s considerable influence and the rise of alternative conservative stars, like DeSantis.
As the anticipation for DeSantis’ 2024 campaign bid builds, the country and his party will be watching his every move. But so far, the Florida governor has been strategic and measured in his dealings, positioning himself as a formidable player within the GOP’s lineup. His conservative credentials, combined with his record in Florida, could catapult him into a powerful position for the 2024 race.
Ron DeSantis’ journey towards a presidential bid offers an interesting narrative for the American public and political analysts alike, as we observe the evolution of the Republican Party and the potential emergence of a new conservative leader. If DeSantis continues on this trajectory, it won’t be surprising to witness a surge in support for his candidacy from his colleagues and constituents.
With numerous challenges facing the country, including concerns about border security, economic recovery, and education, the GOP finds itself in need of a candidate who can deliver results and resonate with a wide range of conservative voters. DeSantis, by positioning himself as a champion of these issues, might just be the contender their party needs.
As the clock ticks down to the official filing deadline, DeSantis stands on the brink of making a groundbreaking decision that could alter the course of the 2024 presidential race. While many uncertainties still exist regarding the future of the Republican Party and the country as a whole, one thing remains clear — Ron DeSantis is a name that we will likely be hearing much more of as we approach the next election cycle, and beyond.