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Ron DeSantis
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
Ron DeSantis appeared on the ballot in the 2024 Tennessee Republican presidential primary held on Super Tuesday, March 5, 2024 3. DeSantis had suspended his campaign on January 21, 2024, before the Tennessee primary took place, and endorsed former President Donald Trump upon suspending 12. His name remained on the ballot in several states where filing deadlines had already passed 3.
DeSantis ran on a platform of conservative governance, emphasizing opposition to COVID-19 mandates, restricting gender-affirming care, expanding school choice, and reducing the size of the federal government 12. As governor, he signed legislation limiting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, reduced corporate diversity programs, and prioritized deregulation 12.
Background and education
Ron DeSantis was born on September 14, 1978, in Jacksonville, Florida, and grew up in Dunedin, Florida 12. He graduated from Yale University with a degree in history in 2001, where he was a member of the baseball team. He earned his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 2005 12.
Career
After law school, DeSantis served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the United States Navy, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He deployed to Iraq as an adviser to a U.S. Navy SEAL commander 12. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's 6th Congressional District in 2012 and served three terms. In 2018, DeSantis was elected Governor of Florida, defeating Democrat Andrew Gillum in a close race. He was re-elected in 2022 by a wide margin 12. He launched his 2024 presidential campaign in May 2023 but suspended it in January 2024 after underperforming in early states 12.
DeSantis has championed hurricane relief efforts in Florida and led state emergency responses to natural disasters. He has advocated for veterans' issues both as a congressman and as governor 12.
Family
DeSantis is married to Casey DeSantis, a former television host and news anchor. The couple has three children: Madison, Mason, and Mamie 12.
Sources
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record — search by last name on each.
Tennessee — campaign finance (search)
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State offices (Governor, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee, statewide judiciary) —
Tennessee Registry of Election Finance.
Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “DeSantis”, and submit.
US House, US Senate, and Presidential candidates file with the FEC — see the federal section below. - County and municipal offices (County Mayor, Commissioner, Sheriff, School Board, court clerks, municipal alderman, etc.) — most major TN counties use the EasyVote portal. Select the relevant county and search by candidate name (“DeSantis”).
Tennessee — statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “DeSantis”and, if needed, select the applicable position.
Federal offices — campaign finance
- US House, US Senate, and Presidential candidates file with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), not with state systems — FEC candidate search. Filter by office, state, and cycle to narrow the results. Financial disclosures (personal assets and income) for members of Congress and congressional candidates are filed with the US House Clerk or US Senate Office of Public Records, depending on the office.