Ronald Dion DeSantis, known as Ron DeSantis, is an American politician and former naval officer who has served as the 46th Governor of Florida since 2019. Born on September 14, 1978, in Jacksonville, Florida, DeSantis has built a career marked by military service, congressional representation, and gubernatorial leadership, becoming a prominent figure in conservative politics.
Main Milestones
Birth
September 14, 1978
Ronald Dion DeSantis was born in Jacksonville, Florida, marking the beginning of a life that would lead him into significant roles in both the military and politics.
U.S. Navy Service
2004
DeSantis joined the U.S. Navy, where he served until 2010. He was promoted to lieutenant and served as a legal advisor to SEAL Team One, with deployments to Guantanamo Bay and Iraq.
Elected to Congress
2012
DeSantis was elected to represent Florida's 6th congressional district, a position he held until 2018. During this time, he also briefly ran for the U.S. Senate in 2016 before withdrawing.
Gubernatorial Election
2018
DeSantis won the gubernatorial election, defeating Andrew Gillum, and was sworn in as Governor of Florida on January 8, 2019.
First Term as Governor
2019
DeSantis focused on environmental issues, including Everglades restoration and combating Red Tide, while also addressing healthcare and education policies, including the controversial Parental Rights in Education Act.
Re-election as Governor
2022
DeSantis was re-elected, defeating Charlie Crist, solidifying his position as a key figure in Florida politics.
Presidential Campaign Announcement
May 24, 2023
DeSantis announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election, positioning himself as a conservative leader, but withdrew in January 2024 to endorse Donald Trump.
