Ron DeSantis Then and Now

Ron DeSantis Then

Ron DeSantis was born on September 14, 1978, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Ronald Sr. and Karen DeSantis. During his childhood, his family relocated to Orlando, eventually settling in Dunedin, Florida. 

He experienced a close-knit family life, sharing it with a younger sister named Christina, who sadly passed away in 2015. 

DeSantis attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School and later graduated from Dunedin High School, where he began to develop his leadership skills and competitive spirit. 

His academic journey continued at Yale University, where he studied history and captained the varsity baseball team, showcasing his athletic prowess. 

Graduating magna cum laude in 2001, DeSantis spent a year teaching at the Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, before pursuing his legal education at Harvard Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 2005. 

This diverse educational background laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors in politics and public service.

Ron DeSantis Political Career

Ron DeSantis embarked on his political career by running in the Republican primary for Florida’s 6th congressional district in 2012. 

He secured his position in the House of Representatives by winning the six-person primary with 39% of the vote, subsequently defeating Democrat Heather Beaven in the general election with 57% of the vote. 

During his time in Congress, DeSantis was known for co-founding the Freedom Caucus, a conservative group advocating for limited government and fiscal responsibility. 

He gained attention for his strong opposition to the investigation led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, further solidifying his position as a staunch conservative.

Related Article: Stacey Abrams Then and Now

In 2018, DeSantis shifted his focus to the governorship of Florida, succeeding Republican incumbent Rick Scott. 

His campaign was characterized by strong pro-gun and anti-immigration positions, which resonated with a significant portion of the electorate. 

He narrowly defeated Democrat Andrew Gillum by just 0.4%, resulting in a machine recount before he was officially declared the winner. 

As governor, DeSantis’ administration has been marked by controversial policies, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Related Article: Adam Schiff Then and Now

He resisted CDC recommendations, implementing measures that some praised while others criticized, especially as Florida reported high rates of hospitalizations in 2021. 

His tenure also included significant educational reforms, including a ban on critical race theory and the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law, which limits discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in early education. 

Throughout his political career, DeSantis has consistently championed conservative values, opposing gun control, immigration reforms, voting rights, the Affordable Care Act, and abortion, positioning himself as a leading figure in the contemporary Republican Party.

Related Article: Kevin McCarthy Then and Now

Ron DeSantis’ Wife and Children

In 2010, Ron DeSantis married Casey Black, a former news and television host who has worked in various media capacities. 

Their union has been characterized by a strong partnership both personally and professionally. 

Initially, the couple settled in the affluent community of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, a locale known for its picturesque coastal views and upscale living. 

Related Article: Lindsey Graham Then and Now

They later moved to Palm Coast, another desirable area that reflects their status within the community. 

Together, DeSantis and Black have three children, and they have often emphasized the importance of family in their lives. 

Related Article: Elizabeth Warren Then and Now

DeSantis’ commitment to his family is evident in his public appearances and statements, where he frequently shares his values surrounding parenting and education. 

Balancing his political career with family life, DeSantis’ relationship with Black serves as a foundation of support as he navigates the demands of public service and his growing national profile.

Related Article: Bernie Sanders Then and Now

Ron DeSantis Now

Ron DeSantis is currently 46 years old and has been serving as the 46th governor of Florida since January 8, 2019. 

As a prominent member of the Republican Party, his leadership has significantly shaped Florida’s political landscape and policies, particularly through his staunch conservative agenda. 

Prior to becoming governor, DeSantis represented Florida’s 6th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2018. 

Related Article: Ted Cruz Then and Now

During his time in Congress, he developed a reputation as a committed advocate for limited government, fiscal responsibility, and conservative values, laying the groundwork for his subsequent gubernatorial campaign.

In addition to his gubernatorial role, DeSantis emerged as a key figure in the Republican Party’s 2024 presidential nomination race. 

Related Article: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Then and Now

His campaign capitalized on his governance record in Florida, appealing to voters with his strong stance on issues such as education reform, public health, and economic policies. 

However, despite early momentum and substantial support within certain conservative circles, DeSantis faced significant challenges in a crowded primary field. 

Related Article: Mitch McConnell Then and Now

Ultimately, in January 2024, he announced his withdrawal from the presidential race, a decision that underscored the complexities and competitive nature of the current political climate. 

This move allows him to refocus on his gubernatorial responsibilities while leaving open the possibility of future political endeavors, maintaining his influential presence within the Republican Party.

Related Article: Chuck Schumer Then and Now

Ron DeSantis Net Worth

Ron DeSantis is a politician and attorney with a net worth estimated at $1 million. 

This financial standing reflects his career in public service, including his tenure as a U.S. Representative and his current role as the governor of Florida. 

While DeSantis has focused primarily on his political career, his net worth also encompasses his earnings from law practice and public speaking engagements. 

As a prominent figure in the Republican Party, his financial status may evolve, especially with his past candidacy for the presidency, which often opens up additional opportunities for income through book deals and public appearances.

Related Article: Nancy Pelosi Then and Now