DeSantis Entering 2024 Race Next Week?

Possible article rewrite:

Ron DeSantis Set to Shake Up 2024 Presidential Race with Candidacy Announcement

Another heavyweight is entering the 2024 presidential race, as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is reportedly planning to officially declare his candidacy on May 25th. Following a donor meeting in Miami, DeSantis is expected to file paperwork to run for president and launch his campaign more formally on May 29th. The move would make DeSantis the most significant challenger to former President Donald Trump for the Republican nomination, but recent poll numbers suggest he faces a tough uphill battle.

DeSantis has been a rising star in the Republican Party, gaining national attention for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his conservative policies in Florida. He has also aligned himself closely with Trump, who endorsed his bid for governor in 2018 and has praised his leadership style. However, Trump’s shadow looms large over the 2024 race, as he has not ruled out running again and maintains strong support among the GOP base.

According to a recent Rasmussen poll, 62% of likely Republican voters would vote for Trump in the primaries, while only 17% would vote for DeSantis. No other candidate surveyed received more than 10% support. The survey of 996 likely voters was conducted on May 11 and 14-15 and has a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.

Trump’s dominance in the GOP primary field could pose a major challenge for DeSantis, who has been positioning himself as a younger, more energetic version of Trump with a track record of conservative accomplishments. As governor, DeSantis has signed laws that restrict voting access, ban transgender girls from playing on girls’ sports teams in public schools, and give citizens the right to sue tech companies for censorship. He has also rejected the idea of vaccine mandates and mask mandates, making Florida one of the most lenient states in response to the pandemic.

DeSantis has also been vocal in his support of law enforcement, pushing back against efforts to defund police departments after the death of George Floyd in 2020. He signed a “Anti-Riot” bill earlier this year that increases penalties for protesters who break the law and grants immunity to drivers who hit them under certain circumstances.

While DeSantis has built a loyal following among conservatives and Trump supporters, he has also faced criticism over his handling of the pandemic, which has surged in Florida in recent months due to the Delta variant. Some experts say his reluctance to impose stricter measures such as mask mandates or vaccine requirements has contributed to the spread of the virus.

DeSantis has also been accused of using his power to benefit politically connected donors and his own career ambitions. In a recent investigation by the Miami Herald, he was found to have directed lucrative state contracts and influence to firms and individuals who had donated to his campaign or political committee. The report raised questions about whether DeSantis was using his office to build a network of political support for his possible presidential run.

Despite these challenges, DeSantis remains a formidable force in Republican politics and could appeal to voters who are looking for a fresh face with conservative credentials and a record of accomplishment. He could also benefit from Trump’s possible absence from the race, as some Republicans may be looking for a viable alternative to the former president. However, he will need to overcome Trump’s hold on the party and make a compelling case for why he is the best candidate to lead the country in 2024.

As DeSantis gears up for his announcement next week, all eyes will be on how he presents himself and his vision for America. Will he continue to embrace Trump’s brand of politics and policies, or will he try to carve out his own path? Will he address the criticisms and controversies that have dogged him in recent months, or will he focus on his achievements and promises? The answers to these questions could determine whether DeSantis becomes the Republican nominee and potential president in 2024.