As Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gears up for the 2024 Republican Presidential candidacy, attention has unexpectedly shifted to his wife, Casey DeSantis. While the Governor battles in the political arena, a recent University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab poll indicates a growing interest in Casey as a formidable political figure in her own right. This unexpected twist in Florida politics has sparked discussions about the potential trajectory of Casey’s career beyond the role of the First Lady.
The Melania Effect: Casey DeSantis has not escaped comparisons to former US First Lady Melania Trump, with many noting her attempts to embody a First Lady persona. The spotlight on her intensified as a new poll suggested that a significant portion of the Florida Republican base sees her as a viable political leader. The poll, which surveyed 780 registered Florida Republicans, revealed surprising insights into Casey’s popularity and potential in the political landscape.
The University of North Florida Poll: The University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab conducted a survey to gauge the preferences of registered Florida Republicans regarding the successor to Ron DeSantis when his term as Governor concludes, likely in 2026. Despite a variety of names in the mix, 22 percent of respondents expressed a desire for Casey DeSantis to assume the role. Notably, she led across all demographics, except with Black voters, and faced limited support from those with college educations, according to FloridaPolitics.
Casey’s Appeal: The unexpected support for Casey DeSantis may be attributed to her recent accolades and the recognition she has garnered in political circles. Earlier this year, she was honored with the Stateswoman of the Year award, prompting speculation about her potential entry into the political arena. However, her spokesperson, at the time, dismissed such speculations, stating that Casey had no interest in pursuing a political career, as reported by Puck.
Pollster Insights: Michael Binder, a pollster involved in the University of North Florida survey, emphasized the preliminary nature of the findings, acknowledging that the political landscape may evolve before the 2026 Governor’s race. He remarked, “For now, it seems Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis is an early favorite among Republican primary voters — wouldn’t that be interesting, potentially having the DeSantises in the Governor’s Mansion for another 11 years.”
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Speculations and Previous Denials: While the recent poll results may fuel speculation about Casey’s political future, it is essential to note that this isn’t the first time such discussions have arisen. Earlier this year, following her Stateswoman of the Year recognition, rumors circulated about her potential candidacy. However, her spokesperson reiterated that she had no interest in pursuing a political role at that time.
Conclusion: As Ron DeSantis navigates the complexities of the 2024 Presidential election, the unexpected spotlight on Casey DeSantis adds a fascinating dimension to Florida politics. The poll results indicate a notable level of support for Casey’s potential political career, prompting discussions about the prospect of a First Lady turned Governor. Whether Casey will embrace this newfound political interest or maintain her focus on her current role remains to be seen, but her rising popularity among Florida Republicans raises intriguing questions about the state’s political future.
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