A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Ron DeSantis's life and career.
Ron DeSantis is an American politician, currently serving as the 46th Governor of Florida since 2019. A Republican, he previously served as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 6th congressional district from 2013 to 2018. Before his political career, DeSantis was a naval officer. He was a contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination but withdrew from the race in January 2024.
2016: Rating from Human Rights Campaign
In 2016, Ron DeSantis received a "0" rating from the Human Rights Campaign on LGBT-related legislation.
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March 2020: Initial COVID-19 Handling
In March 2020, mixed reviews emerged from scientists and media outlets regarding DeSantis's initial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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2021: COVID-19 Death Rate Near Median
In 2021, Florida's age-adjusted COVID-19 death rate was roughly near the median among states, taking into account its elderly population.
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April 2022: Bill Eliminating Disney's Special District Signed
In April 2022, DeSantis signed a bill eliminating Disney's special independent district act and replacing its Disney-appointed board of overseers, initiating a dispute with Disney.
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July 1, 2022: 15-Week Abortion Ban Expected to Go Into Effect
The 15-week abortion ban signed on April 14, 2022, was expected to go into effect on July 1, 2022, but a state judge blocked its enforcement.
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August 18, 2022: Enforcement of Stop WOKE Act Blocked
On August 18, 2022, a federal judge blocked enforcement of the Stop WOKE Act as applied to businesses, ruling that it violated the First Amendment and was impermissibly vague.
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September 2022: State of Emergency Declared for Hurricane Ian
In September 2022, DeSantis declared a state of emergency for all of Florida as Hurricane Ian approached and requested federal aid in advance.
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September 2022: Migrants Flown to Martha's Vineyard
In September 2022, DeSantis's administration flew 50 newly arrived asylum seekers from Texas to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, leading to a class-action suit against him.
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2022: Criticized Crist's Attendance Record
During the 2022 campaign trail and at the gubernatorial debate, DeSantis criticized Charlie Crist's role as a U.S. representative, stating Crist showed up for work for only 14 days during 2022.
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2022: Allegations Regarding Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp
In 2022, Mansur Ahmad Saad al-Dayfi alleged that DeSantis oversaw force-feeding detainees at Guantanamo Bay, which DeSantis acknowledged advising on.
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March 22, 2023: COVID-19 Cases and Deaths
As of March 22, 2023, Florida had the 12th-highest rate of COVID-19 cases and deaths per 100,000 people among the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, without adjusting for age.
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April 26, 2023: Disney Files Lawsuit Against DeSantis
On April 26, 2023, Disney filed a lawsuit against DeSantis and others, accusing them of retaliating against protected speech.
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January 2024: DeSantis Withdraws from Presidential Race
In January 2024, Ron DeSantis withdrew his candidacy for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
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January 21, 2024: Withdraws Presidential Candidacy
On January 21, 2024, Ron DeSantis withdrew his presidential candidacy and endorsed Donald Trump.
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January 31, 2024: Disney Lawsuit Dismissed
On January 31, 2024, the lawsuit filed by Disney against DeSantis was dismissed, with Disney vowing to appeal the decision.
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June 2024: Vetoed Waterway Closure Bill
In June 2024, DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have created a statewide process managed by the Department of Health to issue closures and send warnings if the bacteria in waterways reached unsafe levels.
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