TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — During a recent gathering in Palm Beach County, Republican donors discussed the potential candidacy of Casey DeSantis for the upcoming gubernatorial race in 2026. Florida’s current First Lady is reportedly giving serious thought to the idea as her husband, Governor Ron DeSantis, faces term limits and is unable to seek re-election. Speculation has long surrounded whether Casey would enter the political arena following her active role in her husband’s campaigns, and sources close to her have revealed that the prospect is now closer to becoming a reality.
While Casey DeSantis was not available for comment, insiders familiar with her thought process shared that donors have been encouraging her to run, prompting her to consider their suggestions. If she decides to enter the 2026 Republican primary, it could have significant implications for Florida and national politics, potentially setting the stage for a showdown between Governor DeSantis and former President Donald Trump.
Alongside Casey DeSantis, Rep. Byron Donalds, a close Trump ally, has also expressed interest in a gubernatorial bid. The possibility of Casey DeSantis joining the race has been met with both speculation and anticipation, with some insiders suggesting that her candidacy could lead to a political clash between different factions within the Republican Party.
While the race for governor in 2026 is still taking shape, the potential involvement of Casey DeSantis has already sparked interest and conversations among political circles. As the situation evolves, all eyes are on how this development could shape the future political landscape in Florida.
Following a proposal by the GOP-dominated Legislature to transfer immigration oversight authority in the state from DeSantis to Simpson, a move vehemently opposed by DeSantis himself, the political landscape in Florida took an intriguing turn. Initially, DeSantis had favored former state Attorney General Ashley Moody, a trusted ally, as his preferred candidate for the gubernatorial race, viewing her as the strongest contender against Donalds. However, circumstances shifted when DeSantis decided to nominate Moody for the Senate seat vacated by Marco Rubio, who had been chosen by Trump as his secretary of state.
With Moody out of the picture, DeSantis found himself in need of a new candidate aligned with his vision and capable of assuming the role of governor. Recognizing the importance of shaping the state’s future leadership and thwarting the prospects of a Simpson or Donalds governorship, DeSantis embraced the idea of his wife, Casey, entering the political arena. A source familiar with DeSantis’ perspective revealed, “That’s what finally opened him up to a Casey run.”
While speculation about Casey DeSantis’ potential gubernatorial bid circulated, a key adviser to Donalds acknowledged being aware of such rumors but refrained from elaborating further. Given the existing tensions between DeSantis and both Simpson and Donalds, it appeared unlikely that the incumbent two-term governor would endorse either candidate in a gubernatorial race, prompting him to seek out a suitable successor whom he could actively support.
Expressing his intention to play a significant role in the upcoming 2026 governor’s race, DeSantis announced his plans to utilize the Florida Freedom Fund, his state-level political committee, to back a candidate. Notably, the committee had played a pivotal role in defeating ballot initiatives concerning recreational marijuana and abortion rights in the state in the past year. DeSantis emphasized the importance of raising substantial resources to bolster a strong gubernatorial contender and to support conservative candidates in legislative primaries for the 2026 cycle.
With speculation rife about DeSantis’ preferred candidate, observers wondered about the eventual choice that would emerge from the Governor’s Mansion. A source familiar with Casey DeSantis’ outlook affirmed the likelihood of her entering the gubernatorial race, noting, “There is a lot to be worked out, but at this point the rumors are not just that — it’s feeling very real.”
