By Sofia Mendes
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis launched his presidential campaign on May 24, 2023, via an online conversation with Twitter CEO Elon Musk. Many criticized this unusual announcement decision as the audio stream crashed repeatedly making it nearly impossible for most to hear DeSantis in real time as initially planned.
DeSantis is a member of the Republican party. He states that he is running for President to lead “Our Great American Comeback,” stating crime, border control, drugs, and the “woke mob” as part of the American decline.
Prior to his presidential candidacy, DeSantis represented Florida’s 6th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2018. He is currently serving as the 46th Governor of Florida and has been since 2019.
His presidential campaign website highlights three policies; securing the border, restoring military standards, and declaring economic independence. DeSantis is also known for his war on “woke.” In this war, DeSantis signed the Parent Rights in Education bill, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” law, signed bills that banned state and federal funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at state colleges, and banned abortions at six weeks.
Emerson College Polling’s most recent national poll found that half of Republican Primary voters (50%) plan to vote for Donald Trump while 12% plan to vote for DeSantis.