The Nation in Shock as Florida Lawmakers Move to Accommodate DeSantis Presidental Ambition

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Florida lawmakers want to change the ‘Resign-to-run’ law to accommodate Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential ambition.

A Republican state senator brought forward a proposal aiming to remove legal obstacles that would complicate Governor Ron DeSantis's presidential run. At the current state, DeSantis must legally step down if he wants to announce his presidential bid publicly.

Florida State Senator Travis Hutson amended the "resign to run" law so that the resignation requirement would no longer be applied to "Persons seeking the office of President or Vice President of the United States." This way, Ron DeSantis can have it both ways. He can run without any significant repercussions to his current affairs.

If he loses, he'll still get to keep his seat as the Florida governor for the next four years.

The Path to Presidency

Presently, a public official in Florida is not allowed to run for office whose term overlaps the person's current position without first submitting a letter of resignation.

In DeSantis' instance, that letter must be delivered ten days before Florida's presidential qualification deadline at the beginning of December.

Even if DeSantis loses the primary or general election, his resignation would be final and take effect on the day the new president is sworn in in 2025.

The amendment states, "by this act are intended to clarify existing law."

When former Republican Governor Charlie Crist joined the race to be John McCain's running mate for the 2008 GOP nomination, Florida repealed the "resign-to-run" rule in 2007. In 2018, Rick Scott, a former senator and governor who is a Republican, signed legislation that reinstated this rule.

If approved, the amendment would go into effect on July 1. The modification and the broader election law measure will be discussed and debated.

Florida state Senate President Republican Kathleen Passidomo earlier said in late March that she was still determining whether the resign-to-run rule needed to be modified.

Meanwhile, DeSantis, who is in Asia for an international business trade mission, said he is still deciding on a presidential run after the legislative session ends in May.

What do you think about Florida lawmakers changing laws to accommodate DeSantis' ambition?

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