On Wednesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis officially entered the 2024 presidential race, adding his name to a crowded field of Republican contenders.

His decision will serve as a test not only of his national appeal as a vocal cultural conservative but also of the Republican Party’s readiness to move beyond the era of former President Donald Trump, the Associated Press reported.

At the age of 44, the Republican governor made his announcement through a filing with the Federal Election Commission, followed by an online conversation with Twitter CEO Elon Musk.

This step marks a new phase in DeSantis’ remarkable journey from a relatively unknown congressman to a two-term governor and now a prominent figure engaged in the nation’s heated debates on issues such as race, gender, and abortion.

DeSantis is widely regarded as Trump’s strongest rival within the Republican Party, despite facing scrutiny over his far-right policies, his demeanor on the campaign trail, and his limited relationships within the broader Republican ecosystem.

Nonetheless, he has garnered significant interest among GOP primary voters by positioning himself as a younger and more viable alternative to the 76-year-old former president.

Written by staff