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December 16, 2023

Before he declared his intention to challenge former president Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential nomination, there was a widespread view among conservative commentators that Ron DeSantis was an invaluable, unique example of the principled leadership the country would need to move in the right direction.  But why should there be only one?

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Reflecting on this point, conservative columnist Daniel Horowitz observed, “We only have one Ron DeSantis.  Every other governor is horrible on every issue that matters.”  Echoing this sentiment, MAGA firebrand Kari Lake drew the comparison during her campaign, suggesting she would be the “DeSantis of the West.”

Now, at a time when House Republicans in Washington show an apparent inability to advance lasting conservative policy reforms on the federal level, perhaps it is an opportune time to return some attention to the idea.  Where can we find the “next Ron DeSantis”?

To begin, the example of Ron DeSantis as governor is worth review insomuch as it reflects what can be accomplished with an effective application of conservative ideals to state level leadership.

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Rising to prominence in 2020 for standing firm against federal pressure and authority to oppose long-term, dangerous lockdown measures during the Wuhan coronavirus panic, DeSantis later solidified his notoriety with a series of conservative policy victories.

DeSantis earned praise for challenging left-wing policies being promulgated within youth and adult educational institutions, combating influential corporate cronyism, defunding ESG investments, removing political district attorneys, protecting law enforcement, stopping illegal immigration, defending parental rights, protecting voters from left-leaning gerrymandering, and inspiring other red states, while challenging mainstream media narratives.  He so successfully implemented a conservative platform that it even caused CNN to “pay attention.”

Regardless of one’s opinion on his campaign for president, most patriots can appreciate the invaluable example of the America First, conservative leadership DeSantis provides for Republican governors in red states across the country.  An obvious goal for the America First movement should be to replicate that success each time an opportunity strikes — if not create these opportunities.

Good news for activists is that conservative principles are so popular within twenty-two states that Republicans hold trifecta control, with strong majorities in the state legislatures and the governorships.  The challenge will be to recruit and promote those DeSantis-style governors who are unafraid to fight for the voters against a hostile media establishment; the powerful, ingrained business interests; and federal encroachments. 

One such opportunity exists in Missouri, where the “Republican Party controls the offices of governor, secretary of state, attorney general, and both chambers of the state legislature” — and where, without much ado from most conservative media, there is an ongoing primary for the office of governor.

In this race, the strongest conservative contender for the position appears to be Air Force veteran and state senator Bill Eigel of St. Charles County, cut from the DeSantis-type mold.