Ron DeSantis is an American politician who has served as the 46th governor of Florida since 2019. A Republican, he has built a reputation as a staunch conservative, implementing policies that have significantly influenced Florida’s political landscape. His tenure has been marked by controversial decisions, high-profile battles on social and economic issues, and an assertive leadership style that has positioned him as a national political figure. Below is an in-depth look at his career, policies, and impact.
Most Recent Election Victory (2022)
- In the 2022 Florida gubernatorial election, Ron DeSantis secured a landslide victory over Democrat Charlie Crist, winning 59.4% of the vote compared to Crist’s 40%.
- His victory margin (nearly 1.5 million votes) was the largest for a Republican governor in Florida’s history.
- He flipped traditionally Democratic counties, such as Miami-Dade and Palm Beach, signaling a significant shift in Florida’s electorate.
- His campaign focused on opposing COVID-19 restrictions, resisting federal policies under the Biden administration, and promoting Florida as a model for conservative governance.
Political Path to Becoming Governor
- Education & Early Career: DeSantis graduated from Yale University and later earned a law degree from Harvard Law School. He served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the U.S. Navy.
- Congressional Career (2013-2018): Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, he represented Florida’s 6th congressional district. As a congressman, he was a member of the conservative Freedom Caucus.
- 2018 Gubernatorial Campaign: DeSantis ran for governor in 2018, securing an endorsement from then-President Donald Trump, which helped him defeat Adam Putnam in the GOP primary. He narrowly won the general election against Democrat Andrew Gillum, securing 49.6% of the vote to Gillum’s 49.2%.
Key Proposals and Policies
- Education Reforms: He championed school choice, increased teacher salaries, and implemented policies restricting discussions of race and gender in classrooms (e.g., the “Stop WOKE Act”).
- COVID-19 Response: He opposed vaccine mandates, lockdowns, and mask mandates, making Florida one of the first states to fully reopen during the pandemic.
- Immigration: He signed legislation to crack down on sanctuary cities and orchestrated the controversial relocation of migrants to Democratic-led cities.
- Election Laws: He tightened voting laws, creating an election police force to investigate alleged voter fraud.
- Gun Rights: DeSantis signed permitless carry legislation, allowing Floridians to carry concealed weapons without a permit.
- Disney Dispute: He revoked Disney’s special governing status after the company opposed his policies on LGBTQ+ issues.
Key Vetoes
- Affordable Housing Bill (2022): He rejected a bipartisan bill that aimed to expand affordable housing options, citing concerns over government overreach.
- Prison Reform Proposal: He vetoed criminal justice reforms that would have reduced sentences for non-violent offenders.
- Renewable Energy Projects: He struck down proposals aimed at expanding solar energy incentives, arguing they could lead to higher costs for consumers.
- College Tuition Assistance: He vetoed tuition aid for undocumented students, emphasizing his opposition to incentives for illegal immigration.
Stances on Economic Issues
- Tax Cuts: DeSantis has prioritized reducing taxes, including property tax relief and gas tax holidays.
- Deregulation: He has advocated for fewer regulations on businesses, especially in industries like construction and real estate.
- Minimum Wage: He opposed a $15-per-hour minimum wage increase in Florida, arguing it could harm small businesses.
- Budget Management: Under his leadership, Florida built a record budget surplus, largely due to federal pandemic aid and strong state revenue collection.
- Job Growth: He frequently touts Florida’s low unemployment rate and business-friendly environment as key achievements.
Stances on Social Issues
- Abortion: He signed a six-week abortion ban, one of the most restrictive laws in the country.
- LGBTQ+ Rights: His administration pushed policies limiting gender identity discussions in schools (often referred to as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill) and banned gender-affirming care for minors.
- Critical Race Theory (CRT): He signed legislation banning CRT in classrooms and workplace diversity training.
- Religious Freedom: DeSantis supports broad protections for religious expression, often framing his policies in terms of protecting Christian values.
- Law and Order: He increased penalties for protest-related crimes and expanded funding for law enforcement.
Controversial Statements and Actions
- Handling of COVID-19: His decision to reject federal COVID-19 guidance, oppose lockdowns, and criticize Dr. Anthony Fauci made him a divisive national figure.
- Migrant Flights to Martha’s Vineyard: DeSantis authorized the relocation of migrants to Massachusetts, sparking lawsuits and accusations of political grandstanding.
- Feud with Disney: His public battle with Disney over LGBTQ+ issues led to the removal of the company’s special tax status in Florida, raising concerns about government overreach.
- 2023 Book Bans: Critics argue that Florida’s restrictions on books in schools and libraries amount to censorship, while DeSantis defends them as necessary to protect children.
- “Woke Culture” Attacks: He frequently rails against “woke ideology”, criticizing corporations, schools, and media for promoting progressive social values.
- 2024 Presidential Campaign: While his 2024 presidential bid ultimately faltered, he clashed with Donald Trump over the former president’s handling of COVID-19, January 6, and electability.
Conclusion
Ron DeSantis has cemented himself as one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern American politics. His policies reflect a deep commitment to conservative values, often pushing the boundaries of conventional governance. While he has been praised for his economic management, education reforms, and handling of Florida’s economy, he has also faced criticism for his hardline social policies and combative political style. Whether he remains on the national stage after his failed 2024 presidential run or focuses solely on Florida, his political trajectory continues to shape Republican politics.
