Ron DeSantis: Meet the Republican who can challenge Trump's 2024 presidential bid

NEW DELHI: Republican Ron DeSantis just won a re-election as Florida governor, and in a very convincing manner- bagging 60% of the votes.

That should make all in his GOP happy, specially on a night when the party has not lived up to the pre-poll projections of a "Red wave." But has not been the case.

DeSantis' record as Florida governor since January 2019, and now Wednesday's emphatic win- has propped up his name as a likely Republican candidate for the 2024 US presidential election. That has not gone down well with Donald Trump, arguably the GOP's biggest crowdpuller, who has not kept his own presidential ambitions secret.

Not known for treating his rivals with kindness, Trump has already had a few terse comments for DeSantis.

Those who know DeSantis say they believe he’ll seize the moment and won’t be deterred from taking on Trump.

What's behind DeSantis' popularity

DeSantis is known for getting up at 4am to read up on the day with a wonkish obsession for facts and data. His record shows he could be a formidable candidate against Trump with a work ethic and voracious appetite for details in briefing papers.

Elected to the US House in 2012, DeSantis championed conservative Republican causes. His supporters expect a second term much like the first – like ordering more migrant flights or using his new elections police to go after alleged voter infractions.

DeSantis also hasn’t shied away from taking on his party’s traditional business allies, including by punishing banks that try to restrict oil and gas investments.

He has worked relentlessly to boost his national prominence, traveling the country to raise money and endorse Republican candidates, only adding to his appeal.


Why the big bucks back DeSantis

DeSantis already has financial backing from one key Republican constituency -- a wide swath of Wall Street donors and wealthy individuals, some of whom have made clear they are not eager for a Trump return in 2024. Many see in DeSantis a candidate who is just as conservative, anti-tax and anti-regulation as Trump – but with none of Trump’s baggage.

“The four years under President Trump were so pointlessly divisive that it was not constructive for our country,” said billionaire Ken Griffin, who has contributed $10.8 million to DeSantis since 2018

Donors helped fuel DeSantis’s record fundraising this cycle. The $164 million DeSantis raised since January 2021, is more than any governor in US history.

About 60% of DeSantis’ haul comes from donors who gave $50,000 or more, including at least 10 billionaires benefiting from Florida laws that allow unlimited donations. Trump, in contrast, relies largely on a network of small-dollar donors, a sign that his grassroots support is greater than that of DeSantis.

Trump has derided DeSantis' 2024 prospects

Trump, who is expected to announce his own candidacy on Nov. 15, has increased his swipes against DeSantis, dubbing him “Ron DeSanctimonious” and threatening to divulge damaging information if he runs.

DeSantis didn’t mention Trump in his victory speech Tuesday night, but he sounded very much like he’s still campaigning for office.

“Leaders don’t follow, they lead. As our country founders due to failed leadership in Washington, Florida is on the right track,” DeSantis said. “I look forward to the road ahead.”

The feeling within GOP

DeSantis has used a Republican legislature that bends to his will to impose policies that resonate with Republicans nationally, lifting Covid restrictions on schools and businesses well before most states and attacking mask and vaccine mandates at times more aggressively than Trump.

He’s also taken stances on culture and social issues that are anathema to many Democrats -- like restricting abortion and clamping down on teaching about race and gender in schools.

The Florida governor is the top choice for the Republican nomination after Trump, with more than 30% support, according to a survey of recent polling.

DeSantis however sidestepped the question of a 2024 presidential campaign in a debate last month.

“If Trump wasn’t running, DeSantis would enter the race as the front-runner,” said GOP strategist Alex Conant, a former staffer for Senator Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican.