"The Florida State Fair brings Floridians together and gives us an opportunity to thank farmers for their hard work. I was glad to be able to kick it off this year!" DeSantis posted on Twitter after attending the event.
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and wife, Casey, son, Mason, and daughter, Mamie, at the Florida state fair in Tampa on February 9, 2023. (Courtesy of the Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis)
Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis and daughter, Mamie, at the Florida state fair in Tampa on February 9, 2023. (Courtesy of the Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis)
DeSantis frequently drops in on local small businesses, and was especially known for doing so after reopening the state following the initial months of the coronavirus pandemic while touting the state's economic success.
The rumored 2024 presidential candidate maintains high popularity in the state that has trended further towards Republicans in recent years, and has become increasingly popular with Republicans across the country.
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and son, Mason, at the Florida state fair in Tampa on February 9, 2023. (Courtesy of the Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis)
Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis and son, Mason, at the Florida state fair in Tampa on February 9, 2023. (Courtesy of the Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis)
Polls show him running neck and neck with former President Donald Trump in a potential GOP primary matchup, however he has not indicated whether he will ultimately run.