FL-GOV: The Casey DeSantis question looming over Florida's governor race

POLITICO spoke with 20 friends, lobbyists, operatives and GOP leaders about Casey DeSantis’ future, and most expect she won’t run for governor. She and Gov. DeSantis haven’t floated her name to insiders or started fundraising. Five of the people interviewed said the fact that the DeSantises have three young children was a major factor in their decision-making, and her prospects are also heavily tethered to her husband’s political future. Making a successful run more difficult is that President Donald Trump has made it clear he wants GOP Rep. Byron Donalds to be the state’s next chief executive.

Yet no one close to the first lady was willing to rule out the possibility of a gubernatorial run. Speculation will likely continue until at least June 12, the official deadline to enter the race. But in interviews, it also became clear some party faithful — unlike average GOP voters — are on the fence about Donalds given the governor won’t support him, and want the DeSantises to weigh in about their succession preferences. The governor’s office declined comment about the first lady’s future plans.

POLITICO spoke with 20 friends, lobbyists, operatives and GOP leaders about Casey DeSantis’ future, and most expect she won’t run for governor. She and Gov. DeSantis haven’t floated her name to insiders or started fundraising. Five of the people interviewed said the fact that the DeSantises have three young children was a major factor in their decision-making, and her prospects are also heavily tethered to her husband’s political future. Making a successful run more difficult is that President Donald Trump has made it clear he wants GOP Rep. Byron Donalds to be the state’s next chief executive.

Yet no one close to the first lady was willing to rule out the possibility of a gubernatorial run. Speculation will likely continue until at least June 12, the official deadline to enter the race. But in interviews, it also became clear some party faithful — unlike average GOP voters — are on the fence about Donalds given the governor won’t support him, and want the DeSantises to weigh in about their succession preferences. The governor’s office declined comment about the first lady’s future plans.




https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/22/casey-desantis-florida-governor-00791391