TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — With the 2028 presidential primary approaching, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is making a strong push to regain the support of Republican voters after challenging former President Donald Trump in the last election. DeSantis is focusing heavily on immigration, an area where he believes he can resonate with the party’s base.
However, his efforts face an uphill battle as many Republicans in Florida feel a deep connection to Trump and his policies.
Recently, DeSantis called for a special legislative session aimed at advancing his immigration proposals, which included measures to hold law enforcement accountable for enforcing immigration laws and limiting money transfers to families overseas. Yet, his plans were quickly sidelined by legislators who proposed their own bill. This new legislation, named the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy (TRUMP) Act, effectively shifts significant power over immigration enforcement from DeSantis to the state’s agriculture commissioner.
This situation highlights the challenges DeSantis faces as he tries to regain influence after his initial attempt at the presidency didn’t go as planned. Despite having successfully shifted Florida from a swing state to a solidly Republican stronghold, securing a significant victory in his re-election, he seems to be struggling to reconnect with voters and lawmakers alike.
Political experts note that successful political leadership often hinges on strong relationships, something DeSantis has reportedly struggled with. A Republican consultant pointed out that DeSantis’ lack of personal connections within the legislature could be detrimental to his ambitions.
Reflecting on his past campaign in Iowa, DeSantis had previously presented himself as a strong and direct leader, aiming to position himself as a more effective alternative to Trump. However, as he faced setbacks in that race, his momentum began to falter, which many believe has impacted his current standing.
In an indication of his diminishing influence, the Florida Republican Party recently voted to allow participants in the upcoming presidential primary to support any candidate without a commitment to back the eventual nominee, a move that aids Trump and detracts from DeSantis’ efforts.
Up until now, DeSantis has had a rough go at navigating the political landscape following his presidential ambitions. His characteristic aloofness at political gatherings has drawn criticism, particularly in contrast to Trump’s more hands-on approach, where he actively engages and interacts with his supporters and lawmakers.
Some significant allies have even begun to distance themselves from DeSantis, emphasizing the apparent disconnect between him and the party’s current sentiments.
Both sides are vying for the title of the true heir to Trump’s immigration vision. DeSantis has labeled the new legislative action as a betrayal of conservative values, asserting that it fails to substantially address immigration issues. He claims that transferring authority to the agriculture commissioner creates a scenario where those with interests in hiring undocumented workers could prioritize their needs over firm immigration enforcement.
On the other hand, legislators supporting the new immigration bill argue that their approach is aligned with Trump’s agenda. They maintain that the bill is designed to enhance Trump’s capacity to enforce immigration policies.
While DeSantis still garners support from some influential figures, including U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who acknowledged the need for stronger enforcement measures, the political landscape remains complex and competitive. DeSantis continues to draw attention on social media, positioning himself as a conservative force, but the volatile nature of this platform means that any misstep could quickly alter the narrative.
For now, the Florida political scene is one of contention and evolving alliances as DeSantis attempts to reestablish his standing in a landscape increasingly shaped by Trump’s legacy and influence.
