Gov. Ron DeSantis' (R-FL) State of the State address provided a glimpse into a likely presidential campaign, citing his past success and his future aspirations.
"Florida is No. 1 and working together, we will ensure that Florida remains the No. 1 state in the United States," he told Florida lawmakers Tuesday. "Working together we have met big challenges and we led the nation on many big issues. We don't make excuses. We don't complain. We just produce results."
DeSantis underscored positive economic data, including Florida's economic growth, low unemployment, and budget surplus. He also pointed to key social indicators, from law enforcement recruitment and crime rates to more amorphous "education freedom" and "parental involvement."
"We have fought against illegal immigration in the state of Florida, [from] banning sanctuary cities to suing the Biden administration over its catch and release policies and transporting illegal aliens to sanctuary jurisdictions, we have put Floridians first and we will continue to do that," he said of President Joe Biden.
"We must continue our momentum with K to 12 education by increasing teacher salaries and enacting a teacher's Bill of Rights, providing paycheck protection for teachers, expanding school choice, and fortifying parents' rights," he added. "Our schools must deliver a good education, not a political indoctrination. It's sad that we have to say this, but our children are not guinea pigs for science experimentation and we cannot allow people to make money mutilating them."
DeSantis, who rose to national prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, amplified his opposition to the public health measures from that era, in addition to his response to last year's deadly Hurricane Ian. He, too, emphasized his anti-abortion position and tax cuts for baby supplies.
While promoting his environmental and conservation platforms, he called for reforms to Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs) to lower the cost of prescription drugs and slammed "Florida's lawsuit happy legal climate."
"November's election results represent a vindication of our joint efforts over these past four years," he said. "It's also vested in us the responsibility to lead and provide us the opportunity to shoot for the stars. Boldness be our friend in this endeavor. We have a lot we need to accomplish."
But it was the governor's wife, Casey, who drew the loudest applause when her husband touted her work in "Florida's battle against cancer" as a cancer survivor herself.
"We will stand strong. We will hold the line. We won't back down. And I can promise you this: You ain't seen nothing yet," he said.
Before DeSantis' address, Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-FL) misspoke, declaring that there was a "quorum president" in the chamber, not a "quorum present."
DeSantis, who is expected to announce he is contesting the 2024 Republican presidential nomination in May when Florida's legislative session concludes, is scheduled to stop in the early-voting state of Iowa this week as part of his national book tour. He also hosted fundraisers in California and Texas last week after raising more than $217 million for his gubernatorial reelection campaign last year, the most by any governor candidate in U.S. history, according to OpenSecrets.
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Former President Donald Trump remains a dominant force in the Republican primary field, averaging 45% support in early polls, according to RealClearPolitics. DeSantis averages 29% of the vote, former Vice President Mike Pence 7%, Trump U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley 5%, Trump Secretary of State Mike Pompeo 2%, and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) 1%.
DeSantis' approach to his State of the State address can be compared with that of another potential presidential hopeful, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA). Newsom, a possible successor to Biden, has decided against delivering traditional remarks, instead he is poised to roll-out a range of new initiatives during a statewide trip next week.