Popular Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has consistently made headlines for baking up his words with actions, rolling up his sleeves and working alongside citizens during disasters, and handling all with a good dose of humor.
DeSantis, 44, is taking the Republican Party by storm with his strong, conservative leadership and his determination to stand his ground politically. some are hoping that he will make a run for the presidency in 2024, although at the present time he is focused on his state and the wellbeing of those in Florida. As votes were cast on Tuesday, DeSantis was monitoring Tropical Storm Nicole and setting procedures in place.
Florida is a crucial state for presidential elections. Six years ago, Hillary Clinton won Miami by 23 points. President Biden won it by seven points in 2020. Now, DeSantis has flipped the city solid red. Media outlets were shocked, especially those on MSNBC who reportedly gasped when the results came in. DeSantis has now solidified the Republican hold of the Sunshine State as 2024 approaches.
On Tuesday, votes showed how much Floridians love their Governor. Ron DeSantis easily swept to victory on Tuesday, giving a barnstormer victory speech that had conservatives thunderously cheering on their feet. His path to victory is one every Republican should use as a future road map.
The race was so decisive that the Associated Press reportedly called it in just over an hour after the polls closed at 7 pm according to the Daily Mail.
In a landslide victory, with more than 95% of votes in, DeSantis won 59.4% of the vote with 4,607,597. Democratic candidate, Charlie Crist, won 40% of the vote with 3,100,603 according to The Guardian. As most races across the country are coming in at a narrow margin, DeSantis’ margin is huge.
The popular governor amassed a massive war chest of just under $200 million during this election. If he chooses to run in 2024, he is well-situated to do so. He has a strong support base among Hispanics which is also propelling him forward.
“A big win in Florida is a huge proof point for DeSantis, a strong point for showcasing governing strength and electoral strength,” David Kochel, who is a veteran Republican campaign adviser that hails from first-caucus-in-the-nation Iowa, told NBC News. “The fact DeSantis won by a hair in 2018 and now he’s blowing away Democrats sends a message.”
In his victory speech, DeSantis celebrated American Freedom to cheers.
The second-term governor addressed the COVID shutdowns across the country in his victory speech as well as culture wars and a number of other hot issues that have propelled him to Republican stardom.
“We saw freedom and our very way of life in so many other jurisdictions in this country wither on the vine. Florida held the line,” he remarked to wild cheering. “We chose facts over fear, we chose education over indoctrination, we chose law in order over rioting and disorder.”
“Florida was a refuge of sanity when the world went mad. We stood as the citadel of freedom for people across this country and indeed, across the world. We faced attacks, we took the hits, we weathered the storms but we stood our ground,” DeSantis continued.
“We did not back down. We had the conviction to guide us and we had the courage to lead. We made promises. We made promises to the people of Florida and we have delivered on those promises. And so today, after four years, the people have delivered their verdict,” he added.
“The people have delivered their verdict: Freedom is here to stay. Now, thanks to the overwhelming support of the people of Florida we not only won this election, we have rewritten the political map. Thank you for honoring us with a win for the ages,” DeSantis proclaimed.
“We have embraced freedom,” he said. “We have maintained law and order. We have protected the rights of parents. We have respected our taxpayers and we reject ‘woke’ ideology.”
“We fight the woke in the legislature,” DeSantis declared to thunderous cheers. “We fight the woke in the schools, we fight the woke in the corporations. We will never ever surrender to the woke mob. Florida is where woke goes to die.”
Madison, Mason, and Mamie joined us as we cast our votes for freedom. ⁰⁰Proud to be your Governor — Proud to Keep Florida Free! pic.twitter.com/zExvACeRX2
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantisFL) November 8, 2022
At DeSantis’ victory speech, supporters chanted “two more years,” showing strong support for a presidential run in 2024. The governor, however, appeared to remain focused on his win and the successful effort to turn Florida deep red, Biz Pac Review reports.
Former President Trump, who resides in Florida, and DeSantis are two contenders for the Republican candidacy for the Oval Office in 2024. Recently, Trump cam under fire for joking about his fellow Republican Floridian in regard to the race, but on Tuesday showed his support for the governor at the polls.
REPORTER: “Did you vote for Governor DeSantis?”
TRUMP: “Yes, I did.”pic.twitter.com/YMSEeKw9cN
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 8, 2022
Sen. Marco Rubio also won reelection in Florida to a third term, handily defeating challenger Val Demings and adding his win to the Floridian Red Wave. Florida is now setting the standard for Red states in regard to riding that wave.
Congratulations to @GovRonDeSantis on your decisive re-election victory.
You have set the standard for conservative leadership at the state level nationwide.
I look forward to trying to reach it.
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) November 9, 2022
That’s a Governor for you folks..Congratulations Gov.DeSantis!
He’s got u snowed!
Desantis is a Deepstatewolf in republican clothing!!!
He will turn on everyone for 30 pieces of silver!!! Amen