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Ron DeSantis

Ronald Dion DeSantis is an American politician, attorney, and former U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ronald Dion DeSantis is an American politician, attorney, and former U.S. Navy officer who has served as the 46th governor of Florida since 2019. A member of the Republican Party, he was a candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination before withdrawing in January 2024. He has become a prominent national figure in conservative politics.

Early life and career

DeSantis was born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1978 and later served as a U.S. Navy officer before entering law and politics. He also represented Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2018.

Governor of Florida

DeSantis has served as Florida’s governor since January 2019. His administration has emphasized COVID-19 policy, education, immigration enforcement, public safety, and conservative social policy.

2024 presidential campaign

DeSantis entered the 2024 Republican presidential race but ended his campaign in January 2024. His run was widely covered as part of the Republican primary contest.

Political positions and controversies

As governor, DeSantis supported measures such as limits on some school instruction, restrictions on abortion after six weeks, expanded gun rights, and crackdowns on immigration. His policies have drawn both strong support and significant criticism.

Key facts

  • Served as a U.S. representative from Florida's 6th congressional district from 2013 to 2018.
  • Was elected governor of Florida in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
  • Ran for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination and withdrew in January 2024.
  • Built a national profile for his COVID-19 policies, education agenda, and other conservative measures as governor.
  • Has been associated with legislation affecting school curriculum, abortion access, gun rights, immigration enforcement, and the state’s relationship with Disney.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers often encounter DeSantis in coverage of U.S. politics, especially because his governorship and presidential campaign have shaped national debates on education, abortion, immigration, and pandemic policy.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Ron DeSantis?
Ron DeSantis is an American politician, attorney, and former naval officer who has served as governor of Florida since 2019. He is a Republican and was a 2024 presidential candidate.
How old is Ron DeSantis?
He was born on September 14, 1978, which makes him 47 years old as of July 23, 2026.
What is Ron DeSantis net worth?
Public estimates of Ron DeSantis’s net worth vary by source and change over time. A precise, current figure is not consistently established in the provided sources.
Is Ron DeSantis running for president?
No. He ran for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination but withdrew in January 2024.
What is Ron DeSantis political party?
Ron DeSantis is a member of the Republican Party.
What has Ron DeSantis done as governor?
As governor, he has focused on COVID-19 policy, school choice, immigration enforcement, public safety, environmental funding, and conservative education and social policies.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_DeSantis
    Supports: Birth date, party, offices held, and 2024 presidential candidacy withdrawal.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ron-DeSantis
    Supports: Biography, birth date, party affiliation, and governorship.
  3. Florida Department of State — https://dos.fl.gov/florida-facts/florida-history/florida-governors/ronald-dion-desantis/
    Supports: DeSantis as Florida's 46th governor and highlights of his gubernatorial record.
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-63293633
    Supports: Overview of his governorship, national profile, and 2024 presidential campaign entry.
  5. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-65709502
    Supports: Republican party affiliation, education, and key policy actions as governor.
  6. POLITICO — https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/05/24/55-things-ron-desantis-00095475
    Supports: Background on his career, including congressional service and gubernatorial priorities.