As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis approaches the end of his term in office, he’s talking up one potential heir to succeed him in 2026: his wife Casey DeSantis.

DeSantis, who has arguably risen to become the most powerful governor in Florida history, may leave office without someone determined to preserve his legacy.

After President Donald Trump endorsed Congressman Byron Donalds for Florida governor, Ron DeSantis leveled criticisms at the president’s choice, and championed someone else: his wife, Casey

DeSantis touted his wife as a staunch conservative who would build on his legacy and argued that the state’s first lady could pull in even more voters than he did.

As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis approaches the end of his term in office, he’s talking up one potential heir to succeed him in 2026: his wife Casey DeSantis.

Donalds, 46, is a three-term congressman and a member of the House Freedom Caucus, the conservative group that includes DeSantis as a founding member. He frequently served as a surrogate during Trump’s presidential campaign, holding events in battleground states to engage with Black voters.

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds has not been a “part of any of the victories” for Republicans in Florida, DeSantis said.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is leaving the door open for a possible Gubernatorial run for Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis, despite President Donald’s Trump’s pick for the position officially entering the race.

The Florida first lady and the representative have not declared their gubernatorial bids, but Donalds has Trump's endorsement.