You Won't Believe Why Legislators are Turning Their Back on DeSantis

Photo byPhoto by: Gage Skidmore

Florida legislators are getting tired of Governor Ron DeSantis.

DeSantis' unbreakable hold on the Republican-controlled Legislature might erode as GOP lawmakers' frustration rise to a boiling point.

Even though Republican lawmakers are hesitant to criticize DeSantis publicly because of his influence and position, the whispers of discontent about the governor that first emerged in private are now spilling over.

DeSantis' momentum is losing steam following his landslide reelection victory in November of 2022.

Even the top two Republican legislators in Florida, Speaker of the House Paul Renner and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo are hush-hush about supporting Ron DeSantis. Both congratulated the governor, but they said they would reserve judgment regarding their support for the 2024 election until the parliamentary session concludes.

During his first term, DeSantis established himself as one of the most powerful governors in Florida history by coercing the Legislature to approve his proposed congressional redistricting maps and reshaping GOP power in the state by increasing Republican voter registration and endorsing candidates for school boards. The governor released a significant agenda before the session to give him a long list of legislative accomplishments that he could highlight if, as expected, he runs for president.

Republicans expressed support for several of DeSantis' initiatives but noted that their own bills had been delayed or slowed down to assist the governor. They have resented being given orders by legislative leaders collaborating with the governor's office.

There are still some questions regarding several of DeSantis' major priorities with less than three weeks to go, including strict new anti-immigration measures that DeSantis called for ahead of the session.

Many are also unhappy with DeSantis's personal feud with Disney, fearing that Florida may lose jobs and tourism income.

What do you think about Florida legislators moving away from Ron DeSantis?

Leave your comment below and share this story on social media.