Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
27.1%
29.9%
10.7%
Republican
Casey DeSantis
Florida Republican Governor nominee?
$11.1M
AUG 19, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleOther
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age46 years old (Jun 26, 1980)
GenderFemale
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LocationFlorida
BackgroundFirst Lady of Florida
EducationCollege of Charleston — B.S. in Economics
Notable personal detailsJill Casey DeSantis is the first lady of Florida (since 2019) and the wife of Governor Ron DeSantis. She is a former television journalist and worked as a producer and on-air host for the PGA Tour. She earned a B.S. in Economics from the College of Charleston and has competed in equestrian sports, including NCAA competition. She has led and promoted initiatives in Florida focused on mental health, substance abuse prevention, and cancer-related programs.
SourcesShowHide
flgov.comen.wikipedia.orgwikidata.orgnga.orgcommons.wikimedia.orgde.wikipedia.orged.govhealth.usf.edues.wikipedia.orgcfr.orgfr.wikipedia.orgebsco.comgeneralcounsel.ufl.eduufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edugovinfo.govtheguardian.comgo.nationaljournal.comflsenate.govpolitico.comwashingtonpost.comlifenews.comflvoicenews.comnews.wfsu.orgwlrn.orgnewsweek.comyahoo.comwsj.comnypost.comnbcmiami.commiamiherald.comfloridapolitics.comwtsp.comwctv.tvtallahassee.comfloridaphoenix.comthehill.comactionnewsjax.comcnn.comalachuachronicle.comcenterforpolitics.orgmiamitimesonline.combritannica.comnewsbreak.comlegistorm.comfacebook.comcdn.ballotpedia.orglegislation.ballotpedia.orgdata.ballotpedia.orgdonate.ballotpedia.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgcba.ballotpedia.org
Positions
LiberalConservative
Healthcare
The candidate emphasizes medical freedom (opposing mRNA vaccine mandates and pushing protections for patients' vaccination status) while promoting targeted state healthcare initiatives such as mental health, substance-abuse programs, cancer research funding, and a private-sector-oriented Hope Florida program aimed at reducing dependence on government aid. The record shows advocacy for limiting federal vaccine recommendations for children and making state protections against mandates permanent.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Casey DeSantis has expressed pro-life views and publicly supported pro-life events and messaging, including comments identifying as "pro-family" and "pro-life." Her public statements align with restricting abortion access and supporting policies that protect unborn life while promoting family-support measures.
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Climate & Energy
Casey DeSantis, as Florida’s First Lady, has promoted water quality, conservation, and state resiliency initiatives and has participated in launches and programs focused on environmental stewardship. Her public activity emphasizes conservation and resilience but does not present clear support for aggressive emissions reductions or broad clean-energy policy goals. Public materials document advocacy for protecting Florida’s natural resources and resiliency projects rather than specific climate or energy-transition policies.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate has publicly promoted expanded gun rights in Florida, including support for open carry and proposals to reduce taxes on firearms and ammunition. Statements and social posts advocate making Florida more permissive on carrying firearms while framing the changes as protecting the Second Amendment and supporting gun owners.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 15, 2026
Casey DeSantis is being mentioned as a possible entrant in the Florida governor’s race, but she has not yet entered and could still do so before the June 12 qualification deadline. Recent polling shows her trailing Byron Donalds in the Republican field, with Donalds’ lead growing sharply when voters are reminded of Donald Trump’s endorsement. The race remains unsettled, with several candidates still in and a large number of undecided voters.
flgov.com+50
Articles
NNewsweek5 months ago
Democrats’ Chances of Defeating Republicans To Flip Florida: New Poll
Neutral
HHerald-Tribune5 months ago
Trump endorsement shifting Florida governor race, poll suggests
Negative
NYNew York Magazine5 months ago
The Supreme Court Could Still Tilt the Midterms to the GOP
Positive
NNewsweek5 months ago
Donald Trump Gets Disappointing News About His Influence in Florida
Positive
Polls
Florida Republican Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising