Staff Reports
In what appears to be a rare showdown brewing in Florida’s gubernatorial race, the endorsement power that usually sends rivals scattering seems to have hit a snag. Former President Trump, who is typically the kingmaker of the Republican Party, might find his backing of Rep. Byron Donalds tested by none other than Casey DeSantis, the governor’s wife and possible contender with plenty of popularity in her corner.
Casey DeSantis is not just the name on the governor’s arm; she has built a brand of her own in Florida, earning respect from voters who see her as a formidable candidate in a future without her term-limited husband. However, Republican enthusiasm sagged when Byron Donalds announced his candidacy, despite the big Trump endorsement. So, could the DeSantis ticket shake things up, or is Florida destined for a Donalds coronation?
Political strategists, however, haven’t held back their opinions on the matter. They remind everyone that while Donalds has Trump’s support—often considered political platinum—endorsed candidates aren’t guaranteed a stroll to victory. Still, there’s a good deal of time left before the primary season kicks in, and fasting growing anxieties within the party suggest that endorsements alone can’t deliver votes.
Potential Trump-DeSantis proxy war sparks intrigue in Florida governor’s racehttps://t.co/iTXLAz6LbN pic.twitter.com/SvGfY1HYxS
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) March 14, 2025
Casey DeSantis significantly advanced her husband’s campaign on the 2024 trail, garnering positive feedback for her relatable persona. While Ron DeSantis may sometimes appear stiff or aloof, Casey is known for her charisma and effective communication, thanks to her background as a television anchor. One could argue that she has brought a charm to politics in Florida that her husband occasionally lacks, raising alarms among his supporters about a potential Casey candidacy in the mix.
In typical political intrigue, Donalds has been lining up endorsements faster than Trader Joe’s can restock its snacks. Recent support from Trump’s son and conservative groups like the Club for Growth shows that he has the financial backing to fend off challengers if they emerge. Meanwhile, echoes of the DeSantis-Trump feud in the past loom large over the race. After launching a presidential campaign in direct opposition to Trump, DeSantis learned the hard way that crossing the former president can lead to trouble with a capital “T.”
To add spice to this political stew, recent polling indicates Donalds holds a slim lead over Casey DeSantis. Yet those numbers shift dramatically when voters learn about the Trump connection. Each inch of this growing rivalry suggests Florida may be in for a wild ride as the political landscape shifts, with both sides jostling to keep their influence intact. In a state bursting with potential and backed by strong conservative values, the next couple of years are shaping up to be fertile ground for political drama, and everyone is eager to see how this showdown will unfold.
