Ron DeSantis isn’t up for election this year. However, his political future could be at stake.
DeSantis made his presence felt in the 2024 election in Florida by actively opposing amendments related to abortion rights and marijuana legalization.
TroibNews 
**TALLAHASSEE, Florida** — Although Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' name will not appear on the ballot this year, his political future is at stake.
DeSantis has positioned himself as the leading opponent to two constitutional amendments regarding abortion and marijuana, despite former President Donald Trump's endorsement of the measure that would legalize recreational marijuana. The governor has leveraged both his political power and his official capacity to vigorously oppose these initiatives, a strategy that has led to multiple lawsuits and criticisms.
In various capacities, DeSantis has invested significant political capital into this campaign. Recently, he and first lady Casey DeSantis conducted several official press conferences that effectively served as rallying points against the two amendments. James Uthmeier, his chief of staff and a key figure from DeSantis' brief presidential campaign, reached out to Florida's GOP congressional members this past Monday, urging them to contribute at least $50,000 for last-minute advertisements against Amendment 4, which pertains to the abortion initiative, as indicated in an email obtained by PMG.
On Tuesday evening, DeSantis held a call with Republican voters, delivering a stark warning that the amendments might jeopardize the political stronghold the GOP has maintained in Florida for decades.
“They can make us California through the back door,” said DeSantis on the call, according to a recording obtained by a contributor for Mediate and shared online. “You will see so much left-wing money flow into Florida in ’26 and ’28 with every pet liberal issue under the sun they will try to jam into our constitution. And we can wake up six, eight years from now and all of a sudden, even though Republicans keep winning elections we end up like California because of these amendments.”
DeSantis' political future will heavily depend on the outcome of his last two years in office. His previous campaign for the presidency was built on the "Florida Blueprint," highlighting his successes against Democrats and liberal elites. Should voters endorse one or both of the initiatives—which require a 60 percent approval for passage—it would indicate a shrinking of the governor’s influence since the end of his presidential campaign.
In recent years, he had established himself as one of the most dominant governors in Florida's history, engaging in high-stakes political and cultural skirmishes ranging from vaccine regulations and COVID restrictions to education and gender identity issues. However, since his unsuccessful presidential run, DeSantis has experienced a noticeable decline in his influence, with some Republicans beginning to challenge his agendas—something virtually unthinkable in 2022 or 2023—and raising concerns over a proposal to add amenities like hotels and golf courses to state parks. His supporters argue that DeSantis has not given up on his presidential ambitions, and the passage of the amendments could be detrimental, particularly among donors and party loyalists who might see figures like Sen. JD Vance as viable contenders to Trump in 2028, especially if Trump wins the presidency again.
“I think he’s put his political career on the line,” said state Sen. Joe Gruters, a former chair of the Republican Party of Florida who is backing Amendment 3, the marijuana initiative. He pointedly added, “the bottom line is that I’m with the president.”
A veteran Florida Republican operative, who spoke anonymously for candidness, expressed skepticism about DeSantis' ability to claim his conservative credentials if Florida were to permit access to abortion up to viability. Even DeSantis has remarked that Florida could become an “abortion tourist destination” if the amendment passes.
“If he’s looking for a round 2—having created a safe haven for abortion—what does that do for him?” the operative questioned. “People surrounding him know that’s the reality, which is why you see that level of effort.”
During his tenure, DeSantis has arguably become the most powerful governor in Florida's modern history, asserting state authority and compelling the Legislature to align with him on contentious issues, such as his confrontations with corporate giant Disney, redistricting, and various laws on race, gender identity, and abortion.
His influence is apparent in this election cycle, including local contests. DeSantis has removed two local prosecutors from their positions, both of whom are now attempting to reclaim their roles against candidates endorsed by the governor. He is also supporting various school board candidates statewide.
However, as Florida shifts politically rightward and is anticipated to back Trump, the debates over the amendments are attracting the most attention and resources.
Shortly before launching his presidential campaign, DeSantis enacted the state's current ban on most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. Abortion rights advocates leveraged this ban as a rallying point, gathering signatures to place the proposals on the ballot.
Should the amendments be approved, Democrats will see this as clear evidence that Florida is not entirely solidified in GOP control and that they remain capable of contesting its battleground status. They have invested millions in advertisements urging voter approval of the abortion access initiative.
“He has put everything into defeating Amendment 3 and Amendment 4, and if the people win on Nov. 5, Ron DeSantis is the greatest loser of that evening,” declared Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried.
Conversely, should the amendments fail, DeSantis would underscore his considerable sway over public opinion. Justin Sayfie, a partner at the lobbying firm Ballard Partners and a supporter of DeSantis’ 2024 presidential primary efforts, anticipates that such a result would likely deter initiatives from being proposed for the remainder of the governor’s term, given his capacity to mobilize opposition successfully.
“He’s doing something that most governors don’t do: taking a political risk,” noted Sayfie, who served as a top policy advisor to former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. “He’s a governor that’s putting a lot of his chips on the table to defeat two constitutional amendments. … It shows a willingness to spend political capital and take a political risk when he believes it’s not in the best interest of Florida.”
DeSantis would also be able to cite substantial victories as he approaches the next legislative session, especially if he considers another run for higher office, including a potential presidential bid. Such successes would affirm that his significant 19-point reelection in 2022 was not merely a fluke but indicative of a deeper shift in the state's political alignment.
In conversations, several Republicans readily acknowledged DeSantis’ influence while minimizing the implication that the passage of both amendments could jeopardize his legacy in Florida.
“In politics, a month is an eternity,” remarked Rep. Carlos Gimenez. “And people forget it really quick. … Most people don’t even give it a second thought.” He expressed confidence that even if the amendments were to pass, Republicans would continue to dominate various issues, from immigration to the economy, by supporting Trump and reelecting GOP Sen. Rick Scott.
However, Republican state Rep. Juan Carlos Porras of Miami, an early Trump supporter, suggested that DeSantis would require statewide victories to facilitate his pursuit of higher office. “I think he needs to continue being a strong leader statewide, and I think part of that is making sure we get these wins with these amendments,” he asserted.
Porras anticipated that losing the amendment battles would have “slight” repercussions for DeSantis, considering “the amount of weight that he’s used.” The marijuana amendment enjoys bipartisan support, but the abortion amendment's approval would represent a “contradiction to what the Legislature and what the governor has won and passed for the past couple of years,” he explained.
“It will be very indicative of his leadership,” he concluded, “on how well or how poorly these amendments play out.”
Evan Power, chair of the Republican Party of Florida, suggested that DeSantis’ decision to oppose the amendments hinges on his conviction that they would negatively impact the state. He emphasized that GOP voters admire DeSantis for not shying away from such contentious fights.
“I don’t think the governor’s political calculus is anything other than he thinks these amendments are bad and these ideas are wrong,” Power asserted. “I think the reason he is so respected by the Republican base is that he does not shy away from these fights, even when he is not successful.”
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
DeSantis has positioned himself as the leading opponent to two constitutional amendments regarding abortion and marijuana, despite former President Donald Trump's endorsement of the measure that would legalize recreational marijuana. The governor has leveraged both his political power and his official capacity to vigorously oppose these initiatives, a strategy that has led to multiple lawsuits and criticisms.
In various capacities, DeSantis has invested significant political capital into this campaign. Recently, he and first lady Casey DeSantis conducted several official press conferences that effectively served as rallying points against the two amendments. James Uthmeier, his chief of staff and a key figure from DeSantis' brief presidential campaign, reached out to Florida's GOP congressional members this past Monday, urging them to contribute at least $50,000 for last-minute advertisements against Amendment 4, which pertains to the abortion initiative, as indicated in an email obtained by PMG.
On Tuesday evening, DeSantis held a call with Republican voters, delivering a stark warning that the amendments might jeopardize the political stronghold the GOP has maintained in Florida for decades.
“They can make us California through the back door,” said DeSantis on the call, according to a recording obtained by a contributor for Mediate and shared online. “You will see so much left-wing money flow into Florida in ’26 and ’28 with every pet liberal issue under the sun they will try to jam into our constitution. And we can wake up six, eight years from now and all of a sudden, even though Republicans keep winning elections we end up like California because of these amendments.”
DeSantis' political future will heavily depend on the outcome of his last two years in office. His previous campaign for the presidency was built on the "Florida Blueprint," highlighting his successes against Democrats and liberal elites. Should voters endorse one or both of the initiatives—which require a 60 percent approval for passage—it would indicate a shrinking of the governor’s influence since the end of his presidential campaign.
In recent years, he had established himself as one of the most dominant governors in Florida's history, engaging in high-stakes political and cultural skirmishes ranging from vaccine regulations and COVID restrictions to education and gender identity issues. However, since his unsuccessful presidential run, DeSantis has experienced a noticeable decline in his influence, with some Republicans beginning to challenge his agendas—something virtually unthinkable in 2022 or 2023—and raising concerns over a proposal to add amenities like hotels and golf courses to state parks. His supporters argue that DeSantis has not given up on his presidential ambitions, and the passage of the amendments could be detrimental, particularly among donors and party loyalists who might see figures like Sen. JD Vance as viable contenders to Trump in 2028, especially if Trump wins the presidency again.
“I think he’s put his political career on the line,” said state Sen. Joe Gruters, a former chair of the Republican Party of Florida who is backing Amendment 3, the marijuana initiative. He pointedly added, “the bottom line is that I’m with the president.”
A veteran Florida Republican operative, who spoke anonymously for candidness, expressed skepticism about DeSantis' ability to claim his conservative credentials if Florida were to permit access to abortion up to viability. Even DeSantis has remarked that Florida could become an “abortion tourist destination” if the amendment passes.
“If he’s looking for a round 2—having created a safe haven for abortion—what does that do for him?” the operative questioned. “People surrounding him know that’s the reality, which is why you see that level of effort.”
During his tenure, DeSantis has arguably become the most powerful governor in Florida's modern history, asserting state authority and compelling the Legislature to align with him on contentious issues, such as his confrontations with corporate giant Disney, redistricting, and various laws on race, gender identity, and abortion.
His influence is apparent in this election cycle, including local contests. DeSantis has removed two local prosecutors from their positions, both of whom are now attempting to reclaim their roles against candidates endorsed by the governor. He is also supporting various school board candidates statewide.
However, as Florida shifts politically rightward and is anticipated to back Trump, the debates over the amendments are attracting the most attention and resources.
Shortly before launching his presidential campaign, DeSantis enacted the state's current ban on most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. Abortion rights advocates leveraged this ban as a rallying point, gathering signatures to place the proposals on the ballot.
Should the amendments be approved, Democrats will see this as clear evidence that Florida is not entirely solidified in GOP control and that they remain capable of contesting its battleground status. They have invested millions in advertisements urging voter approval of the abortion access initiative.
“He has put everything into defeating Amendment 3 and Amendment 4, and if the people win on Nov. 5, Ron DeSantis is the greatest loser of that evening,” declared Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried.
Conversely, should the amendments fail, DeSantis would underscore his considerable sway over public opinion. Justin Sayfie, a partner at the lobbying firm Ballard Partners and a supporter of DeSantis’ 2024 presidential primary efforts, anticipates that such a result would likely deter initiatives from being proposed for the remainder of the governor’s term, given his capacity to mobilize opposition successfully.
“He’s doing something that most governors don’t do: taking a political risk,” noted Sayfie, who served as a top policy advisor to former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. “He’s a governor that’s putting a lot of his chips on the table to defeat two constitutional amendments. … It shows a willingness to spend political capital and take a political risk when he believes it’s not in the best interest of Florida.”
DeSantis would also be able to cite substantial victories as he approaches the next legislative session, especially if he considers another run for higher office, including a potential presidential bid. Such successes would affirm that his significant 19-point reelection in 2022 was not merely a fluke but indicative of a deeper shift in the state's political alignment.
In conversations, several Republicans readily acknowledged DeSantis’ influence while minimizing the implication that the passage of both amendments could jeopardize his legacy in Florida.
“In politics, a month is an eternity,” remarked Rep. Carlos Gimenez. “And people forget it really quick. … Most people don’t even give it a second thought.” He expressed confidence that even if the amendments were to pass, Republicans would continue to dominate various issues, from immigration to the economy, by supporting Trump and reelecting GOP Sen. Rick Scott.
However, Republican state Rep. Juan Carlos Porras of Miami, an early Trump supporter, suggested that DeSantis would require statewide victories to facilitate his pursuit of higher office. “I think he needs to continue being a strong leader statewide, and I think part of that is making sure we get these wins with these amendments,” he asserted.
Porras anticipated that losing the amendment battles would have “slight” repercussions for DeSantis, considering “the amount of weight that he’s used.” The marijuana amendment enjoys bipartisan support, but the abortion amendment's approval would represent a “contradiction to what the Legislature and what the governor has won and passed for the past couple of years,” he explained.
“It will be very indicative of his leadership,” he concluded, “on how well or how poorly these amendments play out.”
Evan Power, chair of the Republican Party of Florida, suggested that DeSantis’ decision to oppose the amendments hinges on his conviction that they would negatively impact the state. He emphasized that GOP voters admire DeSantis for not shying away from such contentious fights.
“I don’t think the governor’s political calculus is anything other than he thinks these amendments are bad and these ideas are wrong,” Power asserted. “I think the reason he is so respected by the Republican base is that he does not shy away from these fights, even when he is not successful.”
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
