On Wednesday, May 24th, Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis officially declared his intention to run for United States President in 2024 on Twitter’s audio platform, Twitter Spaces, alongside Elon Musk.
In a video titled “Great American Comeback” disseminated by his political team, DeSantis underscored the nation’s challenges while putting forth his solutions. He emphasized a vision rooted in truth, sanity, normalcy, and integrity and touted his achievements in Florida as evidence of possible national success.
In the announcement, DeSantis said, “My pledge to you is this: If you nominate me you can set your clock to January 20, 2025, at high noon because on the west side of the US Capitol, I will be taking the oath of office as the 47th president of the United States. No excuses, I will get the job done.”
DeSantis’s presidential campaign was officially kick-started upon filing the documents with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on Wednesday. This action paves the way for the governor to seek financial contributions directly from significant donors, aligning with his planned meetings with influential financial supporters in Miami.
This presidential announcement comes on the heels of DeSantis’s victorious gubernatorial reelection campaign, during which he gathered an impressive war chest. With $110 million in his fundraising committees at the start of spring, a substantial portion of these funds are expected to flow into Never Back Down, a super PAC backing DeSantis’s presidential bid. This organization plans to utilize up to $200 million to support DeSantis.
Despite ranking behind former President Donald Trump in GOP primary polls, DeSantis is a formidable contender, buoyed by a strong track record and broad approval among conservatives. His political influence has surged over recent years due in part to his definitive handling of the coronavirus pandemic and proactive stance on cultural debates. During his presidential bid announcement, DeSantis said, “There is no substitute for victory. We must end the culture of losing that has infected the Republican Party in recent years.”
The campaign’s announcement coincided with a new Florida law modifying the “Resign to Run” law, a change that now permits DeSantis to continue in his governor’s role while pursuing the presidency.
The biggest challenge facing DeSantis is the looming presence of former President Trump as a primary rival, despite having previously endorsed DeSantis for the Florida governorship. Trump persistently launches criticisms on social media and in interviews, aiming to undermine DeSantis’s campaign. A super PAC allied with the former president has invested millions in national television ads critical of DeSantis, hinting at a tumultuous primary rivalry ahead.
To outpace his former ally, DeSantis must convince Republican voters of his ability to challenge President Joe Biden effectively next November. This task involves securing the approval of conservatives still positively disposed towards the former president’s tenure and rallying Republicans desiring a fresh face at the party’s helm.
