With his term ending in January 2027, the future remains uncertain for the man once considered the heir to the MAGA throne.
DeSantis and the Republican Party
Ron DeSantis, a Navy veteran and Harvard Law graduate who has served as Florida’s Republican governor since 2018, has become one of the most polarizing figures in U.S. politics. DeSantis gained national attention for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, where he expressed skepticism about vaccines, denounced mask mandates and reopened schools and businesses earlier than most states. This approach contrasted sharply with states like California, which maintained restrictions until mid-2021.
DeSantis also drew headlines for his outspoken criticism of “wokeism.” In 2022, he signed the Parental Rights in Education Bill, known by critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill, restricting discussions of sexuality and gender identity in classrooms for students from kindergarten through third grade. DeSantis has also made national news for controversial actions like flying migrant workers to Martha’s Vineyard, engaging in a prolonged feud with Disney World and pursuing clear presidential ambitions. In 2022, DeSantis won reelection against Charlie Crist by nearly 20 percentage points, solidifying his strong support base in Florida.
However, after underperforming in the 2024 Republican primary and with his gubernatorial term ending in 2027, DeSantis’ next move remains uncertain.
DeSantis was one of the earliest candidates to align himself with Trump-era conservatism. During his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, DeSantis famously released an advertisement in which he told his daughter to “build the wall” with toy blocks and read The Art of the Deal to his infant son.
As DeSantis gained national prominence, his presidential ambitions became increasingly apparent, a goal that required distancing himself from Donald Trump. Following Trump’s 2020 defeat, DeSantis began to separate from the former president in preparation for the 2024 Republican primary. In fact, during the second Republican primary debate, DeSantis criticized Trump for being “missing in action” when the former president declined to participate.
Despite his strong name recognition, DeSantis fell behind in the polls, trailing former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and being overshadowed by political newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy. While Trump attacked DeSantis with nicknames like “Ron Desanctimonious,” he lauded Ramaswamy for his loyalty and awarded him a cabinet position, which Ramaswamy later withdrew from under uncertain circumstances. Although both DeSantis and Haley both endorsed Trump after exiting the race, neither received cabinet appointments, likely due to their previous defiance.
DeSantis’ calculated decision to distance himself from MAGA politics may have been strategic. Knowing that Trump was the primary frontrunner, DeSantis appeared to hedge his bets on Trump’s potential political decline. Given Trump’s controversial policies and advancing age, DeSantis may still believe that his opportunity to pursue the presidency lies in waiting for Trump’s influence to wane.
So, what’s next?
With his gubernatorial term ending in 2027, DeSantis has several potential paths forward.
If Trump’s presidency falters while DeSantis’ popularity in Florida holds strong, DeSantis could become a viable presidential candidate in 2028. As a more conventional Republican with experience in the Navy, Congress and as governor, DeSantis could position himself as a stable alternative to Trump. Without Trump’s legal troubles and controversies, DeSantis might appeal to voters seeking a more traditional Republican leader.
However, DeSantis’ strained relationship with the MAGA movement could hurt his chances. If Trump remains politically strong, figures like Vice President J.D. Vance or Vivek Ramaswamy could be better poised to carry the MAGA torch, potentially sidelining DeSantis.
While DeSantis is likely to pursue the presidency again, his path is far less certain than before. If J.D. Vance secures the 2028 Republican nomination, DeSantis may seek an alternative political role.
A Senate run could be his best option. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is slated to replace Marco Rubio in the Senate, but a special election in 2026 will determine who serves the remainder of Rubio’s term. Given DeSantis’ enduring popularity in Florida, a Senate bid could offer him a solid platform to remain influential in national politics. His predecessor, Rick Scott, successfully transitioned from governor to senator, a path DeSantis could follow to maintain his political relevance.
If DeSantis opts against a presidential or Senate run, he still has various career options. He could join a future Republican administration as a cabinet member, leverage his legal background to reenter the field of law, or become a conservative media commentator. He may also find a role within the Republican Party’s organizational structure, shaping its direction behind the scenes.
While DeSantis has faced criticism for his perceived lack of charisma and awkward body language, he has consistently sought the public spotlight. This suggests that he is unlikely to fade from political relevance anytime soon.
If the Republican Party continues to embrace MAGA politics, DeSantis will likely adjust his strategy to remain politically viable. However, unlike rising figures like J.D. Vance, DeSantis has yet to gain favor within Trump’s inner circle. This reality makes a successful Senate bid in 2026 a more practical path than a presidential run in 2028.
Despite once being a star outfielder at Yale, DeSantis may need to learn some political hardball before securing a path to the presidency.
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