Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has had a staggering fundraising haul over the midterm cycle, raising more than $200 million and breaking records for the most raised by any gubernatorial candidate in history.
During the 2022 cycle, DeSantis has far outraised his Democratic opponent Charlie Crist, who managed to rake in $31 million for his challenge against the Republican opponent. The Florida governor has spent roughly $100 million throughout his campaign, leaving him with more than $90 million in the bank — setting him up nicely for a presidential bid in 2024 should he enter the race.
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“If you look at where the money is coming from, it’s indicative of Gov. DeSantis being seen by national donors as the de facto front-runner for president,” Slater Bayliss, a Florida Republican lobbyist, told Politico.
DeSantis has not indicated whether he plans to run for the White House in 2024. However, the rising star has been viewed as one of the top contenders for the GOP nomination.
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In fact, the Florida governor is considered to be one of the only Republicans who could take on former President Donald Trump in the GOP primary and edge out a win. In a matchup between the two in Florida, nearly half, 48%, would back DeSantis, compared to just 40% who would vote for Trump, according to a USA Today-Suffolk University poll released in September.
Trump is also eyeing a third White House bid and is reportedly planning to announce his reelection campaign on Nov. 14, just days after the midterm election.
