Ron DeSantis

Republican Party

Ron DeSantis

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) was elected in 2018. Prior to serving as Florida governor, DeSantis represented the state’s 6th Congressional District. DeSantis gained nationwide notoriety during the coronavirus pandemic when he reopened Florida sooner than most other states at the height of the pandemic.

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Biography

Birthdate Sept. 14, 1978

Birthplace Jacksonville, Fla.

Party Republican

Spouse Jill Casey DeSantis (Black)

Children Three children

Education Yale University, B.A.; Harvard University, J.D

Current Offices Florida Governor

Former Offices U.S. House of Representatives, Florida’s 6th District (2013-2018)

DeSantis’s 10-point economic plan includes getting the U.S. to 3 percent growth, making the U.S. energy independent, reining in the federal reserve and pushing back on “wasteful spending.”

In his economic plan, DeSantis also called to end China’s preferential trade status, the banning of imports of goods made from stolen intellectual property and blocking businesses from sharing critical technologies with China.

DeSantis said he would not rename Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve chairman if elected.

DeSantis has been a vocal critic of China and has called for less U.S. dependence on the superpower.

DeSantis made headlines when he referred to the war between Russia and Ukraine as a “territorial dispute.” DeSantis later walked back the comments, calling Russian Vladimir Putin a “war criminal” who should “be held accountable.”

DeSantis signed legislation banning most abortions in Florida after six weeks of pregnancy, but he has not endorsed a national ban on the procedure.

The governor has also signed legislation that bans gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

During the coronavirus pandemic, DeSantis was one of the most vocal advocates against vaccine mandates and lockdowns.

In 2023, DeSantis signed “medical freedom” legislation that includes bans on mask and vaccine mandates in Florida.

The governor has also spoken out in favor of lowering prescription drug costs.

DeSantis has dealt with numerous hurricanes and has involved himself in conservation efforts, including signing an executive order that would invest more than $3 billion into the Everglades.

DeSantis has pushed back on science showing that hurricanes are increasing in intensity due to climate change, saying that he rejects “the politicization of the weather.”

DeSantis has spoken out strongly against environmentally and socially conscious investing, also known as ESG, referring to it as a “woke power grab” on his campaign website. The governor has signed legislation that restricts the practice in Florida

He has said that bans on gas stoves are an example of government overreach and has floated tax exemptions for the appliances.

Video

Photo Gallery

FILE – Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a meet and greet, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Creston, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
(AP Photo/Bryon Houlgrave, File/Rebecca Blackwell)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the California Republican Party, Convention Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis leaves the stage after addressing the Family Research Council’s Pray Vote Stand Summit in Washington, D.C., on Friday, September 15, 2023.
Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pauses as he addresses the Family Research Council’s Pray Vote Stand Summit in Washington, D.C., on Friday, September 15, 2023.
Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addresses the Family Research Council’s Pray Vote Stand Summit in Washington, D.C., on Friday, September 15, 2023.
Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addresses the Family Research Council’s Pray Vote Stand Summit in Washington, D.C., on Friday, September 15, 2023. (Greg Nash)
Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a Concerned Women for America Summit at the Capitol Hilton, Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX Business Network and Univision, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
FILE – Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at an annual Basque Fry at the Corley Ranch, June 17, 2023, in Gardnerville, Nev. Though DeSantis’ supporters were among those warning that the Nevada Republican Party had created rules that tilted the process in favor of former President Donald Trump, the Floridian announced Sunday, Oct. 17, that he would run in the Feb. 8, 2024, caucus and try to win delegates that help a candidate become a nominee. (AP Photo/Andy Barron, File)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during the American Legislative Exchange Council Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, center and his wife Casey, right, bow their heads during a prayer at a vigil for the victims of Saturday’s mass shooting Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis talks on the phone with President Joe Biden as he stands outside storm-damaged restaurant Shrimp Boat during a visit to Horseshoe Beach, Fla., one day after the passage of Hurricane Idalia on Aug. 31. Associated Press/Rebecca Blackwell
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a news conference Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Perry, Fla., in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, left, greets Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, center and his wife Casey, right, before a prayer vigil for the victims of Saturday’s mass shooting Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks among Duke Energy electrical line technicians during a news conference at Duke Energy’s Operations Center in Wildwood, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. Idalia strengthened into a hurricane Tuesday and barreled toward Florida’s Gulf Coast as authorities warned residents of vulnerable areas to pack up and leave to escape the twin threats of high winds and devastating flooding.(Stephen M. Dowell /Orlando Sentinel via AP)