Ron DeSantis' Wife Casey May Try to Replace Him as Florida's Governor When He Terms Out

Mar. 15, 2025

Ron and Casey DeSantis.Photo:Octavio Jones/Getty

Octavio Jones/Getty

Florida’s first lady,Casey DeSantis, is considering her own gubernatorial run in 2026 as her husband, Florida Gov.Ron DeSantis, wraps his final term in office,NBC Newsreports.

“I have heard donors have been urging her to run and that while it’s not something she has wanted to do, they are causing her to at least stop and listen,” a source familiar with her thinking said.

Casey, 44, has been active in her husband’s administration, leading initiatives addressing mental health and substance abuse.

On theConservative Reviewpodcast in May 2024, Casey addressed calls for her to follow her husband into Florida’s highest office.

“I will tell you this, when people talk about me running for governor, I think it speaks highly about the governor himself,” she said. “I think when people see me, it is because they are so happy about everything that this governor has done for the state of Florida."

Casey DeSantis.Joe Raedle/Getty

Joe Raedle/Getty

Casey shares three children with Ron and is a recentbreast cancer survivor.

Ron shared that his wife had been diagnosed with cancer in October 2021, and shortly after the news was made public, Casey appeared alongside her husband to give amessage of strength.

“There’s a lot that we can be upset about, that we be sad about — the direction of our country, the future of our nation, our families, our communities, our safety, our children, their education, their futures, our health and our well being,” she continued. “I’ll tell you one thing that is for sure. I’m sure as hell not giving up.”

Casey DeSantis.Octavio Jones/Getty

Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race has already seen a few other notable names get buzz.

Rep.Byron Donalds, a close ally of PresidentDonald Trumpin Congress, has previously expressed interest in the position, as has embattled former Rep.Matt Gaetz, who has remained a staunch Trump supporter amid his numerous recent scandals.

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Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is also reportedly considering the role — with more than $30 million, NBC reported, he would be poised to be the most well-funded candidate.

source: people.com