JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis grew to become an official 2024 presidential hopeful on Wednesday, submitting paperwork with the Federal Election Commission declaring his candidacy for the Republican nomination.
Mr. DeSantis filed the papers hours earlier than his deliberate presidential marketing campaign announcement Wednesday night in a reside Twitter occasion that will likely be hosted by Elon Musk.
Mr. DeSantis, 44, provides his title to a rising record of Republicans operating for the celebration’s nomination. He enters the race as essentially the most formidable challenger to date to former President Donald Trump, 76, who leads the pack by a median of 37 share factors in nationwide polling.
Mr. DeSantis registers round 20% nationally with voters, in comparison with round 56% assist for Mr. Trump. Other GOP hopefuls, together with Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, and Nikki Haley, the previous U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, register within the single digits.
Mr. DeSantis is serving his second time period as governor and has raised his profile nationally by bucking the COVID-19 lockdowns and mandates, and with advocating pro-life, pro-gun insurance policies. He has additionally attracted conservative assist by enacting insurance policies to dam the “woke” liberal agenda in faculties and firms.
His polling has fallen since March, nevertheless, with some blaming the drop on his choice to signal a invoice banning abortion after six weeks and on his high-profile combat with Disney involving the revocation of the theme park’s particular tax district.
Mr. DeSantis enters the race with a $110 million conflict chest and the curiosity of dozens of GOP mega-donors who’re purchasing for a Trump various in 2024. Mr. Trump has about $85 million available.
Mr. DeSantis will meet with donor representatives in Miami this week.
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