Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis neither confirmed nor denied rumors of a potential 2026 gubernatorial run on Friday, instead offering a coy nod to baseball icon Yogi Berra during an event at Florida International University.
When pressed by a reporter about her intentions, she replied, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it,” leaving the political world buzzing with speculation.
Governor Ron DeSantis, standing beside her, chimed in with a grin, “I think she’s leaving that to imagination,” adding that Berra “had a lot of very perceptive comments.”
READ: Trump Kicks Zelenskyy Out Of The White House Following Oval Office Showdown
The exchange came as the couple highlighted cancer research funding at FIU, tied to the state’s Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program—an initiative reflecting her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor.
But the event quickly turned political, with the first lady’s cryptic response amplifying chatter about her future in a race already heating up.
Earlier this week, U.S. Representative Byron Donalds, a Naples Republican and Trump ally, formally entered the 2026 gubernatorial contest, announcing his candidacy on Fox News Tuesday night and filing paperwork Wednesday. His bid, bolstered by an endorsement from President Donald Trump, has set the stage for a high-stakes Republican primary.
Gov. DeSantis, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election, has openly questioned Donalds’ record in Congress, suggesting this week that the congressman “hasn’t been part of any of the victories we’ve had over the left the last few years.”
READ: Trump, Vance, And Zelenskyy Clash In Heated Oval Office Meeting Over Ukraine Peace Deal
In contrast, he praised his wife’s conservative bona fides at Friday’s event, spotlighting her work beyond cancer advocacy. “As if that’s not enough, she actually tackles one of the thorniest issues, which is child welfare, challenging the Great Society and the War on Poverty’s conception of how you deliver these services by launching Hope Florida, which says government’s not the answer,” he said. The Hope Florida program, a cornerstone of her tenure as first lady, aims to streamline child welfare and behavioral health services through public-private partnerships.
Casey DeSantis’ potential candidacy has gained traction amid growing speculation, with some viewing it as a way for the DeSantis family to extend its influence in Tallahassee after Ron’s tenure ends in January 2027. Polls have shown her leading hypothetical Republican matchups, buoyed by her high-profile initiatives and name recognition. Yet, her husband has previously downplayed the idea.
Donalds’ entry has intensified the GOP field, pitting Trump’s camp against DeSantis loyalists in what could become a proxy war between the two Florida heavyweights.
READ: Donalds-DeSantis Rift Brews As Rep. Byron Donalds Announces 2026 Florida Governor Run
Other Republicans rumored to be eyeing the race include Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, a former Senate President with substantial campaign funds, and former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz, whose polarizing profile keeps him in the conversation despite past controversies.
On the Democratic side, Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo of Sunny Isles Beach has emerged as a potential contender, though Florida hasn’t elected a Democratic governor since 1994.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
