Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking (Casey DeSantis not pictured) — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Hunter Crenian
Some Republican voters saw Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ wife’s presence and message during this week’s presidential campaign swing in Iowa and New Hampshire as a possible positive for his 2024 campaign.
DeSantis and many around him credit Casey DeSantis, a former TV presenter, as being his closest political advisor. Casey DeSantis has coupled a vehement defense of her husband’s record as governor with anecdotes about the difficulties of parenting their three children, who are ages 3, 5, and 6.
Republican voters in early voting areas claimed they found her personal account of beating breast cancer inspirational and thought she could change people’s opinions of her husband, who has been accused of being stiff and lacking in charisma.
Lisa Teeman, a 62-year-old retired IT worker who was present at a DeSantis campaign event on Thursday in the working-class New Hampshire community of Laconia, described the candidate as “a very strong woman.” “I believe she can help him win votes,”
The fact that Casey DeSantis is becoming a key player in her husband’s fledgling campaign may serve as a stark contrast to Republican front-runner Donald Trump.
Ivanka Trump has stated she will not support the former president’s campaign for a rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden in 2024. The former president frequently attends rallies and other events without his wife, former first lady Melania Trump.
Republican political consultant Jeanette Hoffman stated that Casey DeSantis, 42, and her husband also come out as young and vibrant in comparison to the more senior Bidens.
Hoffman remarked, “She is definitely a plus for his campaign.” “The campaign is wise to use her as an effective surrogate, though I am not sure how much of a difference it will make in the primary.”
A May 9–15 Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 49 percent of Republicans support Donald Trump, with Ron DeSantis coming in a distant second at 19 percent.
In the past, Casey DeSantis participated in her husband’s elections. When the governor was running for reelection last year, she coordinated the “Mamas for DeSantis” initiative.
It centered on promoting his agenda for parental rights and education, which included excluding the majority of students in public schools from learning about gender identity and sexual orientation in the classroom and cutting funds for diversity and inclusion initiatives at public universities.
Casey DeSantis addressed the crowd at DeSantis’ inaugural event in Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday that she was there “to fight on behalf of the mamas across the country.”
She defended her husband’s conduct in Florida on Thursday in Laconia, pointing out that he had rejected calls to maintain stricter pandemic measures. Without ever adopting his strong rhetoric against the left, she claimed that his efforts were required to “protect and defend the idea of America.”
“He does not run away. Never does he choose the easiest route. He constantly stands up for what is right,” she remarked, drawing a chorus of cheers and laughter.
Casey DeSantis remained in the main hall longer than her husband after the election to greet voters and pose for photos.
Suzanne Nelson, president of a New Hampshire women’s organization that works to assist Republican candidates, said of the candidate, “She just came across as very warm, very caring, very supportive, and very intelligent.” She could make a difference, but I liked what I heard from him.
Doug Lambert, vice chair of the Republican Party in the fiercely conservative Belknap County of New Hampshire, expressed his admiration for her attention to issues affecting families and children. He claimed that her comments had strengthened his backing for the governor.
“Tell me she is not a first woman for central casting,” Lambert demanded. “She is the real deal.”
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Born and raised in South Florida, Krystal is a recent graduate from the University of Miami with professional writing experience at the collegiate and national news outlet levels. She’s a foodie who loves all things travel, the beach, & visiting new places throughout Florida.