Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday was named as one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people, recognized in the Leaders category of the list alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and incoming Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who wrote the governor’s accompanying article for his listing, praised DeSantis’s championing of conservative ideologies and strong-willed leadership. “While the Beltway crowd may not like his style, it’s his record that will become his legacy,” says Bush.
DeSantis has experienced boosted popularity among Floridians all while bolstering his national profile. A recent poll found that should President Joe Biden square off against DeSantis in the 2024 Presidential election, DeSantis would win Florida by a margin of 52 percent to 44 percent.
Another poll shows that DeSantis’ standing among Latino voters increased seven percent since the last poll was conducted in December. 6 percent of respondents in March had a favorable opinion of DeSantis, up from 39 percent late last year.
Meanwhile, Texas Republicans polled higher for DeSantis than their own governor, Greg Abbott. A plurality, 46 percent said they’d vote for DeSantis while Abbott received the smallest share of support with just 13 percent.
“During the pandemic, most people stayed home, and those who didn’t probably moved to Florida,” Bush said. “Despite relentless criticism, Governor Ron DeSantis kept schools open, ensured Florida’s economy remained open for business, and allowed individuals to determine their own risk tolerance.”
DeSantis’ popularity is reflected in his fundraising, amassing an incredible $110 million in 2021 alone.
DeSantis’ top donors include the Republican Governors Association ($6,600,000), CEO of Citadel LLC. Kenneth C. Griffin ($5,000,000), and WeatherTech founder David F. MacNeil ($800,000). DeSantis also received $500,000 from the Republican Party of Florida.
DeSantis’ $110 million is such an astounding total that the next highest fundraising governor up for reelection in 2022, Texas’ Abbott, reports collecting $44,778,653, less than half of that of DeSantis.
“His approach works. It’s one that has allowed Florida to emerge from the pandemic as a national model of personal freedom, economic growth, environmental protection, and education excellence,” continued Bush. “Florida continues to see record population growth, unemployment remains below the national average, the private sector is growing, and Florida remains a national leader in school choice. On top of that, DeSantis has demonstrated his environmental credentials with major investments to restore America’s Everglades, preserve and expand wildlife corridors, and protect Florida’s precious waterways.”
As Florida prepares for midterms, DeSantis will face one of Charlie Crist, Nikki Fried, or Annette Taddeo in the gubernatorial general election. DeSantis is seen as a clear favorite to retain his position for a second term, though some speculate that he could make a bid for the White House in 2024.