Can DeSantis Hold On? Florida Faces Uncertainty as Governor’s Bid Falters

By: Georgia | Published: Aug 31, 2024

Gov. Ron DeSantis, once a formidable force in Florida politics, is facing significant headwinds following his presidential campaign stumble.

POLTICO reveals that even once-close allies are now reassessing their support as DeSantis grapples with both public and private challenges.

State Parks Backlash

DeSantis recently retracted a controversial plan to develop Florida state parks into golf courses and hotels after fierce opposition.

Wide aerial shot of a lush green golf course with multiple holes and a large water body, under a clear sky

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This unexpected move, influenced by criticism from both sides of the aisle, marks a rare retreat for the usually assertive governor.

Election Woes Continue

Adding to DeSantis’ troubles, his endorsed candidates underperformed in the recent local school board elections.

Ron DeSantis speaking at a podium with a large American flag in the background, smiling towards an audience

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The lackluster results on August 20 hint at eroding support within his own party—a troubling sign for his future political maneuvers.

Political Isolation

DeSantis’ isolation grows as he feuds with Florida’s sole Jewish Republican legislator, who criticized DeSantis for his recent travels to Ireland.

Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis posing for a photo at a political event, both smiling, with an American flag and Florida state flag in the background

Source: VoteRandyFine/X

This clash highlights growing tensions and could signal shifting alliances within the state GOP.

Unpopular Opposition

Despite DeSantis’ strong stance against recreational marijuana and abortion amendments, both are poised to pass in November.

Ron DeSantis speaking at a press conference, standing in front of a podium marked with the Seal of the State of Florida

Source: GovRonDeSantis/X

This defiance of his viewpoints could further undermine his influence and reshape Florida’s legislative landscape.

A Distant Second

The governor’s presidential dreams took a harsh blow after a disappointing second place in the Iowa caucuses.

Ron DeSantis gesturing with his hands while speaking in a committee hearing, with other participants in the background

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Observers are closely watching to see how this affects his strategy and standing back home as he eyes a potential 2028 bid.

Shifting Sands in Tallahassee

Expectations are rising that new legislative leaders might not be as cooperative with DeSantis come November.

Close-up of Ron DeSantis speaking into a microphone with a headset, wearing a suit and a serious expression

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This anticipated shift could complicate his efforts to push his agenda through and maintain his clout.

A Lame Duck Governor?

Veteran political consultant Jamie Miller speculates, “I don’t think the backlash about parks was about him being a lame duck.”

Ron DeSantis standing at a podium in a legislative chamber, smiling gently with officials seated behind him and a U.S. flag to his right

Source: Wikimedia Commons

However, DeSantis’ past decisions might no longer align with the political future of those around him, suggesting a pivotal change in relationships.

A "Half-Baked" Retreat

DeSantis distanced himself from the failed parks proposal, labeling it as “half-baked” after it had already been announced and public hearings scheduled.

Close-up of a green sign for Florida's State Parks, highlighting their status as a national gold medal winner and voted America's best

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This rare admission of misjudgment reflects the mounting pressures he faces.

Legacy at Risk

The upcoming ballot initiatives on abortion and marijuana, which DeSantis opposes, could dramatically impact his legacy.

Ron DeSantis seated at a desk in an office, signing documents with a U.S. flag and a bookshelf in the background

Source: GovRonDeSantis/X

With his chief of staff actively campaigning against these measures, the outcomes could be a significant referendum on his governorship.

Fundraising Amidst Challenges

In a bid to combat these initiatives, DeSantis and his wife will host a donor retreat in Georgia, aiming to consolidate support and funds.

Ron DeSantis smiling broadly in a diner, surrounded by supporters including a woman in a DeSantis jacket, with a stack of cups in the foreground

Source: RonDeSantis/X

This move indicates a strategic pivot to strengthen their position against growing opposition.

Dismissing the Chatter

Despite these setbacks, DeSantis remains defiant, dismissing rumors of his weakening grip on power.

Ron DeSantis on stage at a conference, waving to the audience with a clear podium and large letters "GO" in the background lit with stage lights

Source: Wikimedia Commons

“I don’t read the chatter, I don’t listen to the chatter… If you listen to the chatter you’re not going to be able to get the job done,” he stated, emphasizing his focus on governance over gossip.