Florida’s Governor, Ron DeSantis, recently severed ties with his primary political fundraising committee, a necessary step if he plans to run for president. Federal law imposes stricter fundraising rules than those in Florida, and this move signals his potential entry into the 2024 race. In recent months, DeSantis has been at the center of various culture war issues, with a particular focus on the LGBT community.
Education, Disney, and “Don’t Say Gay” Bill
Florida’s Education Department rejected numerous social studies textbooks due to alleged inaccuracies and misalignment with state law. DeSantis has also engaged in a high-profile dispute with Disney over its opposition to the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which bans discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-12. Disney has since amended its free-speech lawsuit against DeSantis’ administration.
The governor further challenged Disney by stripping it of its self-governing power over the Reedy Creek Improvement District. However, this move backfired, leading to legal entanglements and donor dissatisfaction. The ongoing battle with Disney, one of Florida’s largest private employers and tourism attractions, has left some donors questioning DeSantis’ strategy.
Targeting the LGBTQ+ Community
Under DeSantis’ leadership, Florida’s board of medicine banned gender-affirming care for transgender minors, and the state’s House recently passed a bill that criminalizes providing transgender-affirming care to minors. Legislation restricting drag shows also seems to be in the pipeline. These actions have garnered a strong rebuke from President Joe Biden, who took a jab at DeSantis during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Facing Criticism on the International Stage
DeSantis has faced criticism from British business owners after a recent trip to London. Politico quoted one business owner describing the Florida governor as a “state-level politician,” while another called him “horrendous.” Despite the negative reception, DeSantis continues to make moves toward a presidential campaign, recently visiting the battleground state of Wisconsin and planning a trip to the early voting state of Iowa.
Challenging Times for DeSantis’ Campaign
As Donald Trump remains the dominant figure in the Republican field with 60% support, DeSantis lags behind with 19%. The Florida governor’s Super PAC has targeted Nikki Haley, who is polling in the low single digits. In response, she has criticized DeSantis as “thin-skinned” and revealed that he has accepted over $50,000 in contributions from the so-called “woke company.” As DeSantis takes more hits each week, his potential presidential campaign faces mounting challenges.