Researchers just made a surprising discovery in a new poll that shows Gov. Ron DeSantis’ wife, Casey, is gaining large support to run for political office herself.

As Ron DeSantis campaigns for the GOP nomination in 2024 for the presidency, a new University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab survey shows that his wife Casey DeSantis is leading a list of potential Republican candidates to run for governor in 2026.

“While Ron DeSantis is trying to claw his way up the polls for the Republican candidacy during the 2024 Presidential election, it seems many want to put a bigger spotlight on his wife Casey DeSantis. Many people have taken note of her trying to emulate a First Lady vibe, specifically many people seeing similarities between her and former US First Lady Melania Trump. But this new poll shows that people want her to be a political figure all on her own,” y! entertainment reported.

“Recently, the University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab surveyed around 780 registered Florida Republicans to see who the public would want to take The Courage to Be Free author’s place when his term as Governor ends (at the latest) in 2026. While many names were thrown around, the majority was for one person: Casey,” the outlet noted.

⁦@CaseyDeSantis⁩ stands on her own. She’s in a class all by herself. Support for her isn’t because she can’t hold her own, (trust…she’s beautiful & incredibly strong), rather it’s because we’re not tolerating vicious attacks against her! #withCaseyDesantis pic.twitter.com/qRuilxSrrQ

— Kiyan Michael (@kiyanforfl) November 26, 2023

Twenty-two percent of those polled want to see Casey DeSantis become Florida’s governor. Forty percent were undecided but she was the one potential candidate to get the highest number of votes, Pride reported via Yahoo.

“Casey DeSantis leads with virtually all demographics except Black voters. Her weakest demographic: those respondents with college educations, of whom 15% support her, while 11% support Rep. Matt Gaetz,” Florida Politics reported. “Other names are in single digits, including two U.S. Representatives rumored to be eyeing the state’s top job.”

“U.S. Reps. Byron Donalds and Gaetz have 9% support in the survey, followed by Attorney General Ashley Moody (6%), Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis (3%), and Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez (2%). Meanwhile, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez each have 1% support,” the news outlet stated.

Florida is so very fortunate to have such a good role model (and principled conservative!) in @CaseyDeSantis as First Lady.

She’s partnered churches, businesses, and gov’t to tackle community needs; launched the childhood resiliency program; and raised millions to help… https://t.co/Mh6FXWgLSZ

— Bryan Griffin (@BryanDGriffin) November 25, 2023

Casey DeSantis has evidently caught the eye of the public, pollsters, and the Republican Party.

“We’re obviously still a ways out from the governor’s race, and this pool of candidates will certainly change before 2026,” pollster Michael Binder told Florida Politics in an interview. “For now, it seems Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis is an early favorite among Republican primary voters — wouldn’t that be interesting, potentially having the DeSantises in the Governor’s Mansion for another 11 years.”

Earlier this year, Casey DeSantis was honored with the Stateswoman of the Year award. Despite rumors at the time that she could run for governor, one of her spokespeople reportedly told Puck that she had no interest in doing so.

Anyone who has ever heard @CaseyDeSantis speak and/or watched her with her family knows that she is a smart, strong, genuine, fiercely loyal and loving mom and wife. She is the epitome of class & grace.#IStandWithCasey pic.twitter.com/fyJrNRwEB0

— Suze (@suze109) November 25, 2023

Florida’s first lady does not appear to have any other focus than helping her husband become president currently. But if she changes her mind, it looks like the door has opened for her politically.

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