DeSantis Seen as Only Authentic Choice for 2028 GOP Nomination
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A pensive political figure stands alone in the shadows, reflecting on the challenges and uncertainties of the road ahead.Florida Today
In a column for FlaglerLive, writer Diane Roberts makes the case that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis should run for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination, arguing he is the most authentic and electable candidate compared to potential rivals like Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, Tom Cotton, and J.D. Vance.
Why it matters
The 2028 presidential election is still two years away, but the jockeying for the Republican nomination is already underway. As a prominent conservative voice in Florida, Roberts’ endorsement of DeSantis could carry significant weight within the party.
The details
Roberts believes DeSantis is the best choice to lead the GOP in 2028, citing his strong performance in the 2024 Iowa caucuses and his appeal to the party’s base. She dismisses potential rivals like Cruz, Hawley, and Vance, arguing DeSantis is more authentically conservative and would be a stronger general election candidate. Roberts also takes aim at DeSantis’ fellow Floridian Marco Rubio, questioning his conservative credentials and suggesting his birthplace could be a liability if the Supreme Court rules against birthright citizenship.
In 2024, DeSantis ran for the Republican nomination but dropped out after the Iowa caucuses.
In 2022, DeSantis led former President Trump in the polls by 15-20 points, but Trump regained his lead by February 2023 after being convicted on 34 felony counts.
The players
Ron DeSantis
The current governor of Florida who is seen as a potential frontrunner for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination.
Ted Cruz
A U.S. Senator from Texas who is also considering a run for the 2028 GOP nomination.
Josh Hawley
A U.S. Senator from Missouri who may throw his hat into the ring for the 2028 Republican nomination.
Tom Cotton
A U.S. Senator from Arkansas who is another potential 2028 Republican candidate.
J.D. Vance
The current Vice President and a potential frontrunner for the 2028 Republican nomination.
Marco Rubio
A U.S. Senator from Florida who is also seen as a possible 2028 Republican candidate.
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What they’re saying
“I mean, I think that in ’24, like in Iowa, the people that voted for Trump — if he wasn’t running, I would have gotten, like, 90% of those people.”
— Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida
What’s next
The 2028 Republican presidential primary is still two years away, but potential candidates like DeSantis, Cruz, Hawley, Cotton, Vance, and Rubio are already jockeying for position and trying to position themselves as the party’s standard-bearer.
The takeaway
This column highlights the growing divide within the Republican party as it looks to the future, with establishment figures like DeSantis and Rubio competing against more hardline conservatives like Cruz, Hawley, and Cotton. The 2028 nomination battle could be a pivotal moment in determining the direction of the GOP.
