Former GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, long rumored to be eyeing a bid for Florida governor, offered high praise to Florida first lady Casey DeSantis on Wednesday, calling her an “absolute force” and suggesting she would instantly become the front-runner if she entered the state’s 2026 gubernatorial race.
“If @CaseyDeSantis announced tomorrow she was running for Governor she would be an absolute force – and probably the instant frontrunner,” Gaetz wrote on X, formerly Twitter, alongside a video of her speaking.
His endorsement comes amid mounting speculation that she is seriously considering a run to succeed her husband, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), who is term-limited.
If @CaseyDeSantis announced tomorrow she was running for Governor she would be an absolute force – and probably the instant frontrunner.
If you don’t believe me, watch this performance
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) May 14, 2025
Despite never holding elected office, Casey DeSantis has become a well-known figure in Florida politics, playing a central role in her husband’s two successful gubernatorial campaigns. She was also highly visible during his 2024 presidential run.
A February 2025 poll by the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab found Casey DeSantis leading the early field of possible Republican contenders, including Gaetz himself, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. Casey DeSantis garnered favorable views from 57% of Republican voters, outpacing Gaetz by 12 percentage points.
However, more recent polling suggests the race could be more competitive, particularly with the weight of an endorsement from President Donald Trump. In early May, a poll by the conservative James Madison Institute showed Donalds leading Casey DeSantis 44% to 25% among Republican voters but only after respondents were told Trump had endorsed Donalds. Before the endorsement was disclosed, the two were in a statistical tie, with Casey DeSantis at 29% and Donalds at 28%.
Gaetz’s public support could signal growing conservative momentum behind the Florida first lady as the GOP primary field begins to take shape. Gaetz, a high-profile Trump ally, had previously been considered a possible gubernatorial candidate but has faced lingering controversy following a House Ethics Committee investigation.
Florida’s political and demographic landscape has shifted notably under Ron DeSantis’s leadership. The state has experienced significant population growth since he took office in 2019. Between July 2022 and July 2023, Florida saw a net gain of 365,205 people. This trend aligns with earlier periods; for instance, between July 2020 and July 2021, the state’s population grew by more than 211,000, leading the nation in net migration during the pandemic. Florida’s population surpassed 23 million for the first time in 2024, making it the third most populous state.
Ron DeSantis’s conservative governance may have played a role in attracting certain individuals, but it is one of many elements contributing to the state’s growth.
The Florida governor has also drawn praise for his leadership during natural disasters. Under his administration, Florida enhanced their hurricane recovery efforts, with a strong focus on preparing linemen and expediting infrastructure rebuilding. In response to hurricanes like Milton and Helene, the state coordinated the deployment of over 50,000 linemen, including out-of-state crews, which helped restore power to more than 4 million customers in less than a week after Hurricane Milton.
Additionally, following Hurricane Ian, the Florida Department of Transportation prioritized emergency repairs to the Sanibel Causeway, restoring access to the island by rebuilding a bridge in under three days. Ron DeSantis ordered the accelerated repairs to support first responders and allow recovery operations to proceed without delay. These record-breaking executive actions earned the governor praise for cutting through red tape with fast, effective disaster response and infrastructure restoration.
Casey DeSantis has been considered a rising star in the Florida Republican Party and has focused on initiatives in mental health, substance abuse prevention, children’s welfare, and disaster recovery. She previously worked as a local news anchor, reporter, and television personality. Her name recognition, built-in fundraising networks, and statewide visibility could aid her potential bid.
Donalds recently sent out a fundraising pitch to “make up ground fast.”
“We can’t afford to lose this race, or see Republicans get swept off the map across the entire country,” the fundraising letter stated.
NEWSOM TO ROLL OUT REVISED BUDGET THAT IS AT LEAST $10 BILLION IN THE RED
In the video of Casey DeSantis that Gaetz posted on Wednesday, she is seen emphasizing the importance of legislative priorities over electoral discussions. She highlighted the necessity of passing a state budget and reaffirmed her commitment to the policies championed by her husband.
“I understand why people are concerned about the future leadership,” she remarked, acknowledging the public’s attachment to her husband’s tenure. “But it’s more than a year away from qualifying. We need to focus on delivering on the promises we made to the people of Florida.”
