Florida’s top state lawmakers get behind DeSantis’ anticipated presidential run

Romy Ellenbogen
·2 min read
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The leaders of Florida’s Legislature have endorsed Gov. Ron DeSantis over former President Donald Trump ahead of his expected run for president.

House Speaker Paul Renner and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo on Monday announced their endorsements shortly after a news conference where the governor signed anti-human trafficking bills.

In a statement, Passidomo said there was no greater vision for the future of the country than the “Florida blueprint.”

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo remarks on the success of the 2023 legislative session in the Capitol in Tallahassee on Friday, May 5, 2023.
Senate President Kathleen Passidomo remarks on the success of the 2023 legislative session in the Capitol in Tallahassee on Friday, May 5, 2023.

“Under his leadership during the pandemic, the Free State of Florida became a beacon of liberty and opportunity like never before, as families and businesses flocked from high-tax, lockdown states in search of a better way of life,” Passidomo said in a statement. “Governor DeSantis is exactly the kind of leader we need for our country, and I look forward to supporting him for President.”

The Legislature helped deliver the majority of DeSantis’ priorities over the course of the session, including bills allowing for permitless carry of firearms, changes to the death penalty, curbing diversity programs in higher education and continuing to target Disney as part of the governor’s ongoing feud.

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They also put through a bill, which has not yet been signed, that would ensure DeSantis can remain governor while running for president.

Renner said DeSantis has kept Florida free from a “radical agenda” that has turned America into a country without border control, without well-funded law enforcement and without an accountable education system.

Speaker of the House Paul Renner answers a question during a press conference at the close of the 2023 legislative session at the Capitol in Tallahassee on Friday, May 5, 2023.
Speaker of the House Paul Renner answers a question during a press conference at the close of the 2023 legislative session at the Capitol in Tallahassee on Friday, May 5, 2023.

“Gov. DeSantis has a proven record of delivering on the pro-family, pro-economic ideals that not only will keep Florida free but will be of critical importance in a 2024 presidential election,” Renner said in a statement. “As Gov. DeSantis makes his final decision to run for higher office, it would be my honor to endorse his candidacy for President of the United States.”

Last month, about a dozen Republican U.S. representatives from Florida endorsed Trump over DeSantis.