Sunshine State Republicans have their sights set on a new leader, and it's none other than the First Lady of Florida. According to a recent poll released by Florida Atlantic University and Mainstreet Research, Casey DeSantis, the state's current First Lady, is the leading choice among GOP voters for the Governor's seat, beating out U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz by a significant margin. The poll showed 38% favor Casey DeSantis as the Governor Ron DeSantis' successor, while Gaetz trails with 16% support.

While neither political figure has thrown their hat into the ring for the 2026 governor's race, the FAU/Mainstreet Research survey indicates a strong preference within the party for continued DeSantis leadership. The poll conducted from April 15 to 17, which surveyed 865 adult Floridians, suggests that come January 2027, when Ron DeSantis' term ends, many would like to see First Lady, who completed chemotherapy in 2022, assume the mantle, according to the poll WPTV reported.

As revealed in the poll, the Republican electorate still harbors uncertainty, with 26% of respondents undecided, and 20% looking toward another candidate. Kevin Wagner, Ph.D., the co-director of FAU's Political Communication and Public Opinion Research Lab and a professor of political science, elucidated the standing of Casey DeSantis, remarking, "There is clear interest among Republican voters in seeing Casey DeSantis run for governor in 2026." Wagner conveyed the sentiment that the GOP electoral field remains inviting for fresh contenders, as stated in the same WPTV piece.

Among the DeSantis faithful, the First Lady has become a beacon of resilience and compassion, championing mental health as a cornerstone of her initiatives following her own health challenges. A stark contrast with the Pensacola congressman Gaetz, who, despite being a steadfast Trump loyalist, has not gained traction to the same extent. Coverage by the News-Press indicated that the current governor, Ron DeSantis, is enjoying a 54% approval rating, with 41% "strongly approve" of his leadership, which may aid his wife's potential candidacy.

The DeSantis brand commands considerable loyalty among Florida Republicans, showcasing that while the governor's seat may be up for grabs in 2026, the family name carries a lingering influence. "The DeSantis name is well-known," Wagner told the News-Press, highlighting the visibility and familiarity Casey DeSantis enjoys with the Republican base. The shared poll has a margin of error of +/- 3.3%, but the message it delivers is clear — there's a new DeSantis on the horizon, and GOP voters seem inclined to keep the name on the door of the governor’s mansion.