Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is actively laying the groundwork for a potential presidential run in 2028, as reported by the New York Post on Tuesday. Republican insiders believe his candidacy is becoming increasingly likely.
At 47, DeSantis began this week by attending the Milken Institute’s global conference in Beverly Hills with business leaders. He is also slated to deliver the keynote address at the New York Republican Party’s annual gala on May 19 at Manhattan’s Plaza Hotel.
When questioned about his presidential ambitions, DeSantis remained non-committal yet open, stating, “I’m in my mid-40s. By 2028, who knows what the landscape will look like? There’s a lot of time ahead, and anything is possible.”
His response segued into what resembled a campaign pitch, highlighting his achievements in Florida: “Who turned a state with 300,000 more Democrats than Republicans into one with 1.5 million more Republicans? Who grew a $1 trillion economy to $1.8 trillion? Who achieved a 50-year low in crime rates? We have a compelling story to share.”
Republican sources familiar with the matter are convinced of his intentions. “It’s no secret he’s gearing up to run. DeSantis believes he can win and would certainly be a top contender in Iowa,” commented a GOP operative with frequent ties to Florida.
However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Allies of former President Trump are eager for a rematch. “The Trump team is itching to take down DeSantis once more,” warned a seasoned Trump campaign veteran.
DeSantis enters this new phase following the collapse of his 2024 campaign. He withdrew from the presidential race on January 21, 2024, just days before the New Hampshire primaries, having finished a distant second in the Iowa caucuses with only 21% of the votes compared to Trump’s 51%.
Since then, the governor has worked to mend fences, playing golf with Trump in February and March, passing legislation to rename West Palm Beach Airport after the former president, and aiding the development of Trump’s presidential library in Miami.
On Monday, he took another significant step by signing a controversial new electoral map for Florida, which is expected to grant Republicans four additional congressional seats in the upcoming November midterm elections, offsetting potential losses of four districts in Virginia.
His former national spokesperson, Carly Bird, articulated his political vision: “His lane is being the most competent and effective governor in our nation’s history, consistently delivering on every promise.”
Looking toward 2028, the race is highly competitive. Polls show JD Vance and Marco Rubio leading the Republican field, with Vice President Vance commanding 53% in a March Conservative Political Action Conference poll, followed by Secretary of State Rubio at 35%.
In contrast, DeSantis garners only 8% as the first choice among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, according to a September 2025 survey.
A former advisor to the governor succinctly described the challenge: “Right now, it’s JD’s race to lose. That said, there are countless news cycles between now and the primaries, and anything can happen with a coalition that’s showing signs of fracture.”
DeSantis's governorship concludes in January 2027, freeing him to focus entirely on a presidential campaign. Before that, he might serve in a potential Trump cabinet, with the position of Secretary of Defense among the possibilities.
Exploring Ron DeSantis's 2028 Presidential Ambitions
What are Ron DeSantis's achievements in Florida?
Ron DeSantis has significantly increased the Republican voter base, grown Florida's economy from $1 trillion to $1.8 trillion, and achieved the lowest crime rate in 50 years.
Why did DeSantis withdraw from the 2024 presidential race?
DeSantis withdrew after a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses, where he received only 21% of the votes compared to Trump’s 51%, leading him to exit before the New Hampshire primaries.
What steps has DeSantis taken to mend his relationship with Trump?
DeSantis has engaged in activities such as playing golf with Trump, renaming an airport in his honor, and facilitating the construction of Trump’s presidential library in Miami.