Staff Reports
The political landscape is heating up as the spotlight shines brightly on the Trump/Vance ticket, while the opposition, led by Kamala Harris and her unnamed vice presidential candidate, seems to be lost in a sea of word salads. With Trump and Harris poised for a showdown in November, the outcome of this election will undoubtedly shape the future of the nation, particularly for those who consider themselves conservatives.
Among the Republican heavyweights still eyeing a future in the White House is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Having officially thrown his support behind Trump after a less-than-stellar run for the GOP nomination, DeSantis remains a significant player in the game. But with JD Vance now snatching title of Trump’s running mate, one must ponder: what’s next for the ambitious governor?
The Stage Is Set for 2024 – but Ron DeSantis Is Still Around. Where Does Florida's Governor Go From Here?: RedState pic.twitter.com/hfaALeXEzK
— Ian Hansen 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHansensX) August 4, 2024
DeSantis hasn’t given up on his presidential aspirations, despite his campaign ending before it could gain traction. Those close to him are speculating that he plans to try again in the future. However, the prospect of running against Vance, who could be vice president after a Trump victory, adds a layer of complexity to DeSantis’ path forward. Both politicians share a similar background, with impressive Ivy League degrees and military service, but Vance’s position of power could make him a formidable opponent if the Trump administration claims victory in November.
While Ron DeSantis is still relatively young at 45, he has ample time to regroup and recalibrate his strategy. If the Trump/Vance ticket wins, DeSantis will have two full years remaining in his governorship, giving him time to forge a way forward. Throwing support behind Vance could be seen as the strategic move, positioning himself for a presidential run in 2032 or 2036, when he’d be just entering his prime in political years. An intra-party feud right now would do little to benefit the Republican cause and could risk prolonging Democratic control.
On the other hand, should the Trump/Vance ticket falter against Harris and her mysterious counterpart, the landscape will change dramatically. In this scenario, DeSantis could emerge as the leading challenger to Kamala Harris in 2028, particularly as he would be battling her as an incumbent. Vance might also choose to throw his hat in the ring, but with both of them in the mix, the primaries could set the stage for a fierce contest between two highly capable Republicans.
Lastly, what DeSantis decides to do post-governorship will play a critical role in shaping his political trajectory. Whether he opts for another office, steps into a media role, or pens his own memoirs, staying relevant will be key. Both of Florida’s Senators, Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, appear entrenched in their positions, so a House return seems unlikely. However, one thing is for sure: Ron DeSantis is not one to quietly slip into the background. His ambitions are clear, and regardless of what happens in November, he is poised to remain a force in American politics for years to come.
