Ron DeSantis's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 7, 2026

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Ron DeSantis. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Ron DeSantis is an American politician, attorney, and former naval officer. He has served as the 46th governor of Florida since 2019. A Republican, DeSantis previously represented Florida's 6th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2018. He briefly ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024 before withdrawing from the race.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1982: Largest victory margin since 1982

In the November 8 election, DeSantis won by a significant margin and it was the largest margin of victory in a Florida gubernatorial election since 1982.

1986: Palm Beach County votes Republican

In the November 8 election, DeSantis won Palm Beach County, which had not voted Republican since 1986.

2002: Miami-Dade County votes Republican

In the November 8 election, DeSantis won Miami-Dade County, which had been considered a Democratic stronghold and had last voted Republican in 2002.

August 28, 2018: DeSantis wins Republican primary

On August 28, 2018, Ron DeSantis secured victory in the Republican primary for Florida governor, defeating his main opponent, Adam Putnam. DeSantis's win marked a significant step in his pursuit of the governorship.

May 2022: Florida's unemployment rate below national average

Since May 2022, Florida's unemployment rate has sat around two percent, below the national average.

September 2022: DeSantis declares state of emergency 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 of the storm.

2022: DeSantis appears on Time 100 and gets book deal

In 2022, DeSantis appeared on Time 100, Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2022, he also got a $1.25 million book deal with HarperCollins.

March 27, 2024: Disney settles pending state court lawsuits with DeSantis

On March 27, 2024, Disney settled its pending state court lawsuits with DeSantis. Per the agreement, Disney put the appeal of its federal lawsuit on hold while a new development agreement with Florida was negotiated. No alterations to Disney's appeal of the federal lawsuit were made.