Casey DeSantis Considering Gubernatorial Run in 2026

Republican donors at a recent gathering in Palm Beach County discussed the possibility of Casey DeSantis running for governor in 2026. For the first time, Florida's first lady is seriously considering such a political move.

With Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis facing term limits, speculation has grown regarding Casey DeSantis's potential candidacy. Five individuals familiar with the donor event and her thought process shared insights with NBC News.

One source stated, “I have heard donors urging her to run. While it’s not something she has wanted to do, they are causing her to at least stop and listen.”

Casey DeSantis was unavailable for comment.

If Casey decides to run, it may significantly affect both Florida and national politics, possibly igniting a battle between Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump.

Rep. Byron Donalds, a Trump supporter, has also expressed interest in the governorship.

“It is a real possibility,” said another individual familiar with discussions about Casey's potential run, yet they acknowledged they do not know if it's a "probable scenario."

Prior to last week's donor event, Casey DeSantis's candidacy was perceived mainly as speculation. Nonetheless, she has recently had to address the growing whispers. She mentioned, “When people talk about me running for Governor, I think it speaks highly about the governor himself.”

In addition to Donalds, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is also rumored to be considering a run. Despite lacking the national recognition of Casey DeSantis or Donalds, he is a well-known figure in Florida politics, reportedly with over $30 million from previous fundraising efforts.

A potential candidacy from Casey DeSantis could be seen as a proxy battle between Trump and her husband. Their relationship has shifted from allies to rivals after DeSantis's 2024 presidential primary candidacy.

DeSantis and Donalds previously shared a close connection, but tensions arose when Donalds backed Trump in the primary. Similarly, DeSantis has also faced friction with Simpson, particularly regarding immigration oversight authority.

Governor DeSantis had initially supported former Attorney General Ashley Moody as a candidate, but after her appointment to the Senate, he now seeks an ally who aligns with him for the governorship.

He views Casey's run as a strategic opportunity to shape Florida's leadership and prevent a Simpson or Donalds governorship.

A Donalds adviser noted the buzz surrounding a Casey DeSantis run but refrained from commenting in detail.

With pre-existing tensions with both potential candidates, it's uncertain if DeSantis would endorse anyone in a gubernatorial race, driving him to seek a loyal successor.

Moreover, DeSantis confirmed his active involvement in the 2026 race, indicating that he would use his political committee to support a candidate and strong conservative legislative primaries.

As speculation continues, a source close to Casey remarks, “She’s going to run. Most see that now; the rumors are feeling very real.”