Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
27.1%
29.9%
10.7%
Florida Republican Governor nominee?
$5.6M
AUG 19, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleOther
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age45 years old (Jun 26, 1980)
GenderFemale
Show moreShow less
LocationFlorida
BackgroundFirst Lady of Florida
EducationCollege of Charleston — B.S., Economics
Notable personal detailsJill Casey DeSantis is an American former television news journalist and former PGA Tour producer who has served as First Lady of Florida since 2019 as the wife of Gov. Ron DeSantis. An Ohio native, she earned a B.S. in economics from the College of Charleston and later worked in broadcast and sports media, including as a TV reporter/anchor in Jacksonville, Florida. She has been closely involved in her husband’s political career and has led public-facing initiatives as first lady, including the Hope Florida initiative.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orgapnews.comwikidata.orgx.comed.govthelist.comlatinpost.combiography.comdesantisplaybook.comaxios.comthe-express.comfamousbirthdays.comlanacion.com.arcommons.wikimedia.orgghanafuo.comes.wikipedia.orgmiamiherald.comacis-api.flcourts.govupload.wikimedia.orgflgov.compolitico.comwashingtonpost.comlifenews.comflvoicenews.comnews.wfsu.orgwlrn.orgnewsweek.comyahoo.comwsj.comnypost.comnbcmiami.comzh.wikipedia.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orgnga.orgcammack.house.govfrost.house.govdurbin.senate.govjustfacts.votesmart.orgfec.govdocs.house.gov
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.
Show moreShow less
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 updatedJun 11, 2026
Casey DeSantis is being discussed as a possible entrant in the Florida governor’s race, but she has not yet entered and could still qualify before the June 12 deadline. Recent polling shows her trailing Byron Donalds in early GOP matchups, with Donalds getting a big boost from Donald Trump’s endorsement and many voters still undecided. The race remains fluid, but the latest coverage suggests DeSantis would face a tough primary if she jumps in.
en.wikipedia.org+40
Articles
NNewsweek3 months ago
Democrats’ Chances of Defeating Republicans To Flip Florida: New Poll
Neutral
HHerald-Tribune4 months ago
Trump endorsement shifting Florida governor race, poll suggests
Negative
NYNew York Magazine3 months ago
The Supreme Court Could Still Tilt the Midterms to the GOP
Positive
NNewsweek4 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