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DeSantis 2028 buzz builds after Florida withstands blue wave: ‘Only reason Florida didn’t fall’
Florida Republicans credited Governor Ron DeSantis with helping the state remain under Republican control during a midterm election in which Democrats made major gains nationally. The results have renewed speculation about DeSantis’s prospects for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination, though other potential contenders include Marco Rubio, JD Vance and Ted Cruz.
Democrats flipped numerous House seats, at least seven Senate seats and five governorships, including in Texas and Kansas, while Florida elected Republican Byron Donalds as governor and re-elected Senator Ashley Moody. DeSantis described the national result as an exceptionally damaging night for Republicans and said Florida had held the line. His odds of winning the 2028 Republican nomination rose to 19 per cent on Kalshi, up 14 percentage points over 24 hours; a Republican source cited in the article said Rubio could have an advantage.
In short
- Florida stayed Republican as Democrats made broad gains.
- Supporters credited DeSantis and renewed talk of a 2028 run.
- DeSantis’s nomination odds rose to 19 per cent on Kalshi.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters could argue that Florida’s Republican victories amid Democratic gains elsewhere show DeSantis helped preserve the party’s position in a difficult national climate. That record may strengthen his case for the 2028 nomination, particularly for voters who value electoral resilience and a candidate with experience leading a large, diverse state.
The case against
Sceptics could argue that Florida’s results alone do not establish that DeSantis was decisive or that he would be the strongest national nominee. The wider Republican losses may raise questions about the party’s appeal, while rivals such as Rubio, Vance and Cruz could offer different strengths or a better route to winning the nomination and general election.