Florida’s First Lady, Casey DeSantis, dropped a bombshell that has political observers buzzing.
The rumors have been swirling for months.
And Casey DeSantis stunned conservatives with this major announcement about running for Governor.
DeSantis hints at gubernatorial run
Casey DeSantis gave the political world something to talk about during a joint appearance with her husband, Governor Ron DeSantis, at the National Review Ideas Summit.
When asked about the possibility of running for Governor in 2026 when her husband’s term ends, Casey did not shut down the speculation.
“We’ll see, right?” she teased after a lengthy response about the importance of protecting her husband’s conservative legacy in Florida.
The First Lady expressed concern that the wrong successor could undo all the accomplishments of the DeSantis administration.
Governor Ron DeSantis added fuel to the fire by sharing that the late conservative radio icon Rush Limbaugh once told him that Casey should be the one running for Governor.
This was not an impromptu question that caught the DeSantis team off guard.
According to National Review’s Jim Gerhaty, “We don’t tell our guests the interview questions ahead of time, but we do discuss the topics likely to come up, and the DeSantis team was just fine with a question about the buzz around her running for Governor. In fact, I think they wanted that question asked.”
The DeSantis power couple could have easily avoided the topic if they wanted to shut down speculation.
A formidable candidate emerges
Casey DeSantis has earned a reputation as one of the most politically savvy First Ladies in Florida’s history.
She’s been deeply involved in her husband’s administration, spearheading initiatives like the “Hope Florida” program that helps vulnerable Floridians connect with resources and build a path toward economic self-sufficiency.
Her battle with breast cancer, which she fought publicly while continuing her duties as First Lady, only enhanced her popularity with Florida voters.
Political insiders describe Casey as having exceptional retail political skills that some believe even surpass her husband’s.
Casey would enter any race with enormous advantages. These include universal name recognition in Florida, access to the DeSantis fundraising machine that raised more than $177 million for her husband’s 2022 reelection campaign, and intimate knowledge of state policy issues.
Trump’s preferred candidate could face a tough challenge
Casey DeSantis would not have a clear path to the nomination if she decides to run.
President Donald Trump has already endorsed Representative Byron Donalds for the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race.
Donalds, a rising star in the Republican Party who represents Florida’s 19th congressional district, has built a strong national profile as a conservative voice in Congress.
But Trump’s endorsement might not be as decisive in a state race where local issues often dominate.
Casey DeSantis could position herself as the candidate most capable of continuing her husband’s legacy, a message that would resonate with Florida Republicans who gave Ron DeSantis a nearly 20-point victory in his 2022 reelection.
As one Republican strategist put it, “When a politician says ‘we’ll see’ about running for office, what they really mean is ‘I’m running, but I’m not ready to announce it yet.'”
The 2026 Florida gubernatorial race is still a year away, but the political maneuvering has already begun.
Casey DeSantis has shown she knows how to play the game, dropping just enough hints to keep the political world guessing while building anticipation for a potential run.
