Ron DeSantis hasn't made final decision on 2028 run: Sources

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is keeping his options open regarding a potential 2028 presidential run, according to two sources familiar with his thoughts. While DeSantis acknowledged that Florida fended off a "blue wave" in the recent midterm elections, he remains vigilant about the political landscape, assessing whether he can make an impact, whether there is a suitable avenue for him to break through, and whether he has something valuable to offer the Republican Party and the nation.

Since the midterms, DeSantis has increased his media presence, reflecting on the setbacks faced by the Republican Party and emphasizing the severity of the losses. On the day following the elections, DeSantis held a press conference, describing the outcome as akin to a meteor strike, affecting blue and red states alike, with Florida being an exception.

He strongly criticized Republicans for employing dishonest tactics, particularly regarding gas prices, attributing the rise in prices to geopolitical conflicts. DeSantis had attempted a presidential bid in 2024 but dropped out before the New Hampshire primary, trailing far behind former President Donald Trump in Iowa. Although his 2024 campaign was plagued by internal strife and financial issues, DeSantis acknowledged valuable lessons learned, such as the necessity for increased media engagement and the importance of timely entry into the presidential race, given that his term as Florida governor concludes in January.