History of Ron DeSantis in Timeline
Ron DeSantis is an American politician and member of the Republican Party. He served as the 46th governor of Florida from 2019 and as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 6th congressional district from 2013 to 2018. He was a candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, but withdrew in January 2024.
1947: Florida State Guard Deactivated
The Florida State Guard, a volunteer state defense force, was deactivated in 1947.
September 14, 1978: Birth of Ron DeSantis
Ron DeSantis was born on September 14, 1978.
1982: Landslide Victory in Gubernatorial Election
DeSantis's victory in the November 8 election, with 59.4% of the vote, marked the largest margin in a Florida gubernatorial election since 1982.
1986: Victory in Traditionally Democratic Counties
DeSantis secured victory in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, which had historically leaned Democratic. Palm Beach County, in particular, hadn't voted Republican since 1986.
1991: DeSantis Competes in Little League World Series
DeSantis's Little League baseball team competed in the 1991 Little League World Series.
1997: DeSantis Graduates High School
DeSantis graduated from Dunedin High School in 1997.
2001: DeSantis Graduates from Yale University
DeSantis graduated from Yale University with a B.A., magna cum laude, in 2001.
2002: Miami-Dade County Victory
DeSantis won Miami-Dade County in the election, a significant feat as it had been a Democratic stronghold since 2002.
2004: DeSantis Joins U.S. Navy
DeSantis joined the United States Navy in 2004 and was commissioned as an officer.
2004: DeSantis Commissioned as Officer in U.S. Navy
During his second year at Harvard Law, DeSantis was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy in 2004.
2005: DeSantis Completes Naval Justice School
DeSantis completed training at Naval Justice School in 2005.
2005: DeSantis Graduates from Harvard Law School
DeSantis graduated from Harvard Law School in 2005 with a Juris Doctor, cum laude.
2006: DeSantis Stationed at Guantanamo Bay
DeSantis was stationed at Joint Task Force Guantanamo in 2006, working with detainees.
2006: DeSantis Promoted to Lieutenant
DeSantis was promoted from lieutenant, junior grade to lieutenant in 2006.
2007: DeSantis Deployed to Iraq
DeSantis was deployed to Iraq in 2007 as a legal advisor to SEAL Team One.
2007: DeSantis Serves as Legal Advisor to SEAL Team One in Iraq
DeSantis served as a legal advisor to SEAL Team One in Fallujah, Iraq in 2007.
April 2008: DeSantis Returns from Iraq, Continues Service in U.S.
DeSantis returned to the U.S. from his deployment in Iraq in April 2008.
September 26, 2009: Marriage to Casey Black
DeSantis married Casey Black, a former television host for the Golf Channel and news anchor at WJXT, on September 26, 2009. The ceremony took place at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
February 2010: DeSantis Honorably Discharged, Joins Navy Reserve
DeSantis received an honorable discharge from active duty and joined the U.S. Navy Reserve in February 2010.
2010: DeSantis Honorably Discharged from Active Military Duty
DeSantis concluded his active military duty in 2010 and was appointed as a special assistant U.S. attorney.
2011: DeSantis Publishes First Book
DeSantis published his first book, "Dreams From Our Founding Fathers" in 2011.
2012: DeSantis Founds Test-Prep Company, Works as Litigator
Before running for Congress in 2012, DeSantis co-founded a test-prep company and worked as a litigator.
2012: DeSantis Elected to Congress, Founding Member of Freedom Caucus
DeSantis was elected to Congress for the first time in 2012 and became a founding member of the Freedom Caucus.
2012: DeSantis Elected to Congress
DeSantis won the election and became the representative for Florida's 6th congressional district.
2013: DeSantis Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
DeSantis began his term in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida's 6th congressional district in 2013.
2013: No Climate Tax Pledge and Affordable Care Act Repeal
In 2013, DeSantis signed the "No Climate Tax Pledge", opposing tax increases to combat global warming. He also voted for H.R. 45, aiming to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
2014: DeSantis Re-elected to Congress
DeSantis was reelected to Congress for Florida's 6th congressional district in 2014.
2014: DeSantis Re-elected to Congress
DeSantis was re-elected to Congress in 2014.
2014: Justice Department Reporting Bill
DeSantis introduced a bill in 2014 that, if passed, would have mandated the Justice Department to provide reports to Congress when federal agencies chose not to enforce laws.
May 2015: DeSantis Announces Candidacy for Senate
DeSantis announced his candidacy for the 2016 United States Senate election in Florida in May 2015.
2015: Let Seniors Work Act and Social Security Reform
DeSantis introduced the Let Seniors Work Act in 2015, aiming to repeal incentives for seniors to retire instead of remaining employed. He also co-sponsored a measure to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits.
2015: DeSantis's Sister Passes Away
DeSantis's sister, Christina, passed away in 2015 at the age of 30.
2015: Founding Member of the Freedom Caucus
In 2015, DeSantis became a founding member of the Freedom Caucus, a group composed of congressional conservatives and libertarians.
2015: Taxpayer Superhero Award and Criticism of IRS
In 2015, DeSantis was recognized as a "Taxpayer Superhero" by the conservative think tank Citizens Against Government Waste. He also called for the resignation of IRS Commissioner John Koskinen, alleging that the IRS had targeted conservatives.
2015: Critic of Obama's Immigration Policies and Co-Sponsor of Kate's Law
DeSantis emerged as a critic of President Obama's immigration policies in 2015, including DACA and DAPA. He accused Obama of not enforcing immigration laws and co-sponsored Kate's Law, which proposed stricter penalties for individuals who re-entered the U.S. illegally after deportation.
2016: Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act
DeSantis introduced the Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act in 2016. This act, if successful, would have enabled states to establish their own accreditation systems for educational institutions.
2016: DeSantis Re-elected to Congress
DeSantis was re-elected to Congress in 2016.
2016: DeSantis Re-elected to Congress, Briefly Runs for Senate
DeSantis was reelected to Congress but briefly ran for U.S. Senate before withdrawing.
2016: Human Rights Campaign Rating and Stance on Discrimination
The Human Rights Campaign gave DeSantis a "0" rating in 2016 regarding his stance on LGBT-related legislation.
2016: DeSantis Withdraws from Senate Race, Runs for Reelection in House
When Marco Rubio ran for reelection to the Senate, DeSantis withdrew from the Senate race and ran for reelection to the House.
May 17, 2017: Mueller Investigation Funding Cut Proposal
On May 17, 2017, an order was signed to initiate the Mueller investigation. Later that year, DeSantis proposed legislation to end funding for this investigation targeting President Trump.
June 2017: Congressional Baseball Shooting
DeSantis was present before the congressional baseball shooting in June 2017, where the perpetrator inquired about the players' political affiliation.
2017: Transportation Empowerment Act and Trump Tax Cuts
DeSantis sponsored the Transportation Empowerment Act, a bill to shift responsibility for transportation projects to states and reduce the federal gas tax. He also supported the Trump tax cuts in 2017.
January 5, 2018: Gubernatorial Candidacy Announcement
On January 5, 2018, DeSantis officially announced his candidacy for the governor of Florida, aiming to succeed term-limited Republican incumbent Rick Scott.
August 28, 2018: Republican Primary Victory
DeSantis won the Republican primary for the Florida gubernatorial election on August 28, 2018, defeating his opponent Adam Putnam.
2018: Congressional Term Limits Advocacy and Retirement from the House
DeSantis advocated for term limits for members of Congress. After serving three terms in the House, he decided to retire in 2018 to pursue the governorship of Florida.
2018: DeSantis Concludes Term in Congress, Wins Gubernatorial Election
DeSantis concluded his service as representative for Florida's 6th congressional district. He won the gubernatorial election in Florida.
January 8, 2019: DeSantis Becomes Governor of Florida
On January 8, 2019, Ron DeSantis was inaugurated as the governor of Florida. During his tenure, he has generally governed as a conservative, focusing on implementing a conservative agenda. This marked the beginning of his term as the state's leader.
January 11, 2019: Pardoning of the Groveland Four and Suspension of Sheriff Scott Israel
Three days after taking office on January 11, 2019, DeSantis posthumously pardoned the Groveland Four, a group of black men falsely convicted of rape in 1949. The same day, he suspended Broward County sheriff Scott Israel over his handling of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shootings, appointing Gregory Tony as his replacement.
February 2019: DeSantis Concludes Navy Reserve Service
DeSantis concluded his service in the Navy Reserve with the rank of lieutenant commander in February 2019.
June 2019: Signing of Record-Breaking Budget
In June 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a $91.1 billion budget, which was the largest in Florida's history at the time. Despite its size, he made cuts totaling $131 million in appropriations. This move was part of his efforts to maintain Florida's low-tax status.
June 2019: DeSantis Signs Anti-'Sanctuary City' Bill
In June 2019, despite Florida having no existing sanctuary cities, DeSantis signed an anti-"sanctuary city" bill into law, a move critics viewed as politically motivated and targeting undocumented immigrants.
2019: DeSantis Becomes Governor of Florida
Ron DeSantis began serving as the 46th governor of Florida in 2019.
March 2020: DeSantis's Initial Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Beginning in March 2020, DeSantis's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic began, drawing mixed reviews from scientists and media outlets.
June 2020: DeSantis Signs Bill Requiring E-Verify for Government Employers
In June 2020, DeSantis signed legislation requiring government employers and contractors in Florida to use E-Verify, a federal system for verifying employment eligibility, as part of his efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement.
2020: Emergence as Potential 2024 Presidential Candidate
Between 2020 and 2023, DeSantis gained recognition as a potential contender for the 2024 presidential election, with several prominent figures encouraging him to run.
2020: DeSantis Cites George Floyd Protests in Support of Anti-Riot Law
During 2020, following nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, DeSantis cited these demonstrations as a justification for the Combating Public Disorder Act, raising concerns about the law's potential impact on peaceful assembly.
February 2, 2021: DeSantis Backs Legislation Against Tech Censorship
On February 2, 2021, DeSantis announced his support for legislation aimed at holding tech companies responsible for alleged political censorship. This followed the removal of Trump from social media platforms.
April 2021: DeSantis Signs Anti-Riot Law
In April 2021, DeSantis signed the Combating Public Disorder Act, an anti-riot law that also addressed mob intimidation, damage to historical property, and online harassment. This law drew criticism for potentially targeting protests and free speech.
May 5, 2021: DeSantis Announces Bonuses for First Responders
On May 5, 2021, DeSantis announced a $1,000 bonus for all Florida police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, recognizing their service during challenging times.
June 1, 2021: DeSantis Signs Transgender Sports Ban into Law
On June 1, 2021, DeSantis signed the Fairness in Women's Sports Act (SB 1028), prohibiting transgender girls and women from participating in public school and college sports that align with their gender identity, marking a significant moment for transgender rights in Florida.
June 10, 2021: Ban on Teaching Critical Race Theory
On June 10, 2021, the Florida Board of Education approved a ban on teaching critical race theory in public schools, following an effort led by Governor Ron DeSantis. He described the theory as 'teaching kids to hate their country,' while critics argued that the ban aimed to politicize education and whitewash history.
September 14, 2021: Announcement to Replace Florida Standards Assessment Test
On September 14, 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida would replace the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) test with a system of three smaller tests throughout the school year. The new system was set to be implemented in the 2022-23 school year.
September 2021: Dismissal of 2024 Presidential Speculation
Amidst growing speculation about a potential 2024 presidential run, DeSantis dismissed it as "purely manufactured" in September 2021.
September 2021: DeSantis Introduces Police Signing Bonus
In September 2021, DeSantis introduced a $5,000 signing bonus for police officers in Florida, aiming to attract recruits from other states and bolster law enforcement agencies.
September 2021: Re-election Announcement
In September 2021, DeSantis made a significant announcement declaring his intention to seek re-election for the position of governor.
December 2, 2021: DeSantis Proposes Reactivation of Florida State Guard
On December 2, 2021, DeSantis announced a proposal to allocate $3.5 million for reactivating the Florida State Guard, a volunteer state defense force inactive since 1947. This move sparked debate about its necessity and potential implications.
December 15, 2021: Introduction of the Stop WOKE Act
On December 15, 2021, DeSantis introduced the Stop Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees Act ("Stop WOKE Act"), allowing parents to sue school districts that teach critical race theory. He framed the bill as a measure to combat 'woke indoctrination' in schools.
2021: Mixed Reviews on DeSantis's COVID-19 Response Continue
Throughout 2021, DeSantis's management of the COVID-19 pandemic remained a subject of debate, with opinions divided on its effectiveness.
2021: Net Worth at $300,000
In 2021, DeSantis's net worth was estimated to be around $300,000
2021: Halting Cooperation with Biden Administration on Migrant Relocation
In 2021, DeSantis halted cooperation with the Biden administration's program for relocating and resettling migrants in Florida due to a surge in illegal immigration. His administration also allocated $12 million to relocate migrants to other states.
February 2022: DeSantis Voices Support for 'Don't Say Gay' Bill
In February 2022, DeSantis expressed his support for the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, often called the "Don't Say Gay" law, sparking widespread controversy over its implications for LGBTQ+ students and education.
March 2022: DeSantis Signs 'Don't Say Gay' Bill into Law
In March 2022, DeSantis signed the controversial "Don't Say Gay" bill, restricting classroom discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida schools, igniting a nationwide debate on education and LGBTQ+ rights.
April 14, 2022: Signing of Bill Banning Abortions After 15 Weeks
On April 14, 2022, DeSantis signed a law banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, reducing the limit from the previous 24 weeks. The law includes exceptions for serious health risks and fatal fetal abnormalities but does not make exceptions for rape, incest, or mental health.
April 2022: DeSantis Targets Disney's Special District Status
In April 2022, DeSantis escalated his feud with Disney by signing legislation to dissolve the company's special independent district status, a move widely seen as retaliation for Disney's criticism of the "Don't Say Gay" law.
May 2022: Low Unemployment Rate in Florida
Since May 2022, Florida's unemployment rate has remained around two percent, which is below the national average. This followed economic recovery efforts during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 1, 2022: Florida Social Media Law Blocked
On July 1, 2022, a Florida law that restricted social media companies' ability to moderate content was supposed to go into effect, but a state judge blocked its enforcement, citing violations of the right to privacy.
September 2022: Response to Hurricane Ian
DeSantis received widespread praise for Florida's response to Hurricane Ian, the deadliest hurricane to hit the state in over 85 years. In September 2022, he declared a state of emergency, proactively sought federal aid, and collaborated with Elon Musk to utilize Starlink satellite internet for restoring communication.
September 2022: Relocation of Migrants to Martha's Vineyard
Following similar actions by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in September 2022, an agent hired by DeSantis recruited 50 asylum seekers, primarily from Venezuela, in San Antonio, Texas. They were flown on two chartered planes to Crestview, Florida, and then to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, without being allowed to disembark in Florida. This action resulted in a class-action lawsuit against DeSantis, with the migrants alleging "extreme and outrageous" treatment.
2022: "Monkey this up" comment and allegations of racism
In 2022, DeSantis's use of the phrase "monkey this up" when referring to his opponent's policies during the 2018 gubernatorial race sparked controversy and was labeled by some as a racist dog whistle aimed at Andrew Gillum, his African-American opponent. DeSantis denied these accusations.
2022: DeSantis Wins Re-election as Governor by Large Margin
In the 2022 gubernatorial election, DeSantis defeated former governor Charlie Crist, marking the state's largest margin of victory for a governor's election in 40 years.
2022: Growing Prominence as a Republican Contender
Starting in 2022, DeSantis gained increasing recognition as a potential contender for the Republican presidential nomination. This shift was influenced by his strong performance in the 2022 midterm elections, where he secured reelection as governor by a significant margin, contrasting with the weaker performance of some Trump-endorsed candidates.
2022: Time 100 Recognition
In 2022, DeSantis was featured in Time 100, Time magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people globally.
2022: Criticism of Crist's Congressional Attendance
During the 2022 gubernatorial campaign, DeSantis heavily criticized his opponent, Charlie Crist, for his attendance record as a U.S. representative.
2022: Allegations Against DeSantis at Guantanamo Bay Resurface
Allegations of DeSantis overseeing force-feeding detainees at Guantanamo Bay in 2006 resurfaced in 2022.
2022: Study Ranks Florida's Age-Adjusted COVID-19 Death Rate
In 2022, a study ranked Florida as having the 12th-lowest age-adjusted COVID-19 death rate in the United States.
January 2023: Supreme Court to Review Florida Social Media Law
In January 2023, the Supreme Court of Florida agreed to hear a legal challenge to the law restricting social media companies' content moderation practices.
March 2023: DeSantis Considers Expanding 'Don't Say Gay' Restrictions
As of March 2023, DeSantis considered expanding the restrictions imposed by the "Don't Say Gay" law, indicating a continued focus on shaping education policies related to LGBTQ+ topics.
March 22, 2023: Review of DeSantis's COVID-19 Response
By March 22, 2023, evaluations of DeSantis's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted Florida's position as having the 12th-highest rate of cases and deaths per capita since March 2020. Notably, Florida's age-adjusted death rate, considering its large elderly population, was near the national median in 2021.
April 2023: DeSantis Signs Six-Week Abortion Ban
In April 2023, Ron DeSantis signed a highly controversial six-week abortion ban in Florida, with exceptions only for rape, incest, or human trafficking, requiring proof of a crime.
April 2023: Ambiguous Stance on 2024 Presidential Candidacy
In April 2023, when asked about his presidential aspirations, DeSantis remained noncommittal, stating, "I am not a candidate, so we'll see if and when that changes." This statement came at a time when he was trailing behind Trump in polls for the Republican nomination but outperforming him in general election polls.
April 26, 2023: Disney Sues DeSantis over Retaliation Claims
On April 26, 2023, Disney took legal action against DeSantis, alleging retaliation for the company's opposition to the "Don't Say Gay" law, escalating the conflict between the entertainment giant and the Florida government.
May 2023: Deployment of Personnel to Texas Border
In May 2023, DeSantis announced the deployment of over 1,000 personnel, including National Guard troops, to Texas. This action aimed to assist Texas in managing the influx of illegal immigration at the southern border.
May 24, 2023: DeSantis Announces Candidacy for President
On May 24, 2023, DeSantis announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for president of the United States.
September 2023: Net Worth Estimation and Recognition
As of September 2023, DeSantis's net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 million, a significant increase from $300,000 in 2021. This financial growth was partly attributed to a $1.25 million book deal with HarperCollins in 2022.
2023: Reversal on Social Security and Medicare Position
In 2023, while running for president, DeSantis reversed his previous stance on raising the retirement age and privatizing Medicare. He stated that his administration would not 'mess with Social Security.'
2023: DeSantis Publishes Second Book
DeSantis published his second book, "The Courage to Be Free" in 2023.
January 2024: DeSantis Withdraws from 2024 Presidential Race
On January 2024, DeSantis withdrew his candidacy for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination and endorsed Donald Trump.
April 1, 2024: Florida Supreme Court Upholds 15-Week Abortion Ban
On April 1, 2024, the Florida Supreme Court upheld a 15-week abortion ban, paving the way for the implementation of a stricter six-week ban.
May 1, 2024: Florida's Six-Week Abortion Ban Takes Effect
On May 1, 2024, Florida's six-week abortion ban came into effect, following the Supreme Court of Florida's decision to uphold a previous 15-week ban on April 1, 2024.
2024: Supporters' Chants and Presidential Speculation
Following his re-election victory, DeSantis's supporters fueled speculation about a potential 2024 presidential bid by chanting "two more years" instead of the traditional "four more years."
2024: DeSantis Signs Law Restricting Social Media Access for Minors
In 2024, DeSantis signed legislation requiring social media companies to prevent individuals under 16 from creating accounts. This sparked criticism from digital rights groups concerned about potential First Amendment infringements.
2024: Launch of Presidential Bid
On May 24, 2023, DeSantis formally announced his candidacy for president via X (formerly Twitter), with support from Elon Musk. This announcement followed the release of his memoir, "The Courage To Be Free," and a subsequent book tour that further fueled speculation about his presidential ambitions.
2024: Speculation about Presidential Campaign
During the 2024 election cycle, there was speculation about DeSantis potentially running for president, leading to questions about his commitment to serving a full term as governor.
2024: Consideration as a Potential Presidential Candidate
DeSantis was widely seen as a likely candidate for the 2024 presidential election, and various notable people urged him to run.
2024: Consideration as a Potential Presidential Candidate
Beginning in 2022, DeSantis became increasingly seen as a contender for the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential election. Various writers predicted that he could defeat Trump or said that he was preferable to Trump in view of the January 6 hearings and subsequent straw polls.