Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, whose presidential bid ended with a distant second-place finish in Iowa, is now set to speak on the main stage at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week.
Initially, DeSantis was not slated for a main stage speaking slot during the week-long celebration of former President Donald Trump. However, three sources familiar with the convention plans told POLITICO that as of Wednesday morning, DeSantis is now likely to have a spot. The convention lineup, which is expected to be announced this week, remains fluid.
In addition to his main stage appearance, DeSantis will participate in other Republican events tied to the convention. He is scheduled to appear at a town hall hosted by Moms for Liberty and at the “Southern States Fest” at the Milwaukee Brewers’ stadium, alongside other GOP governors from the region. DeSantis will also be the main speaker at a breakfast meeting hosted by the Republican Party of Florida and will have access to the convention floor, as sitting governors and members of Congress are granted floor passes.
DeSantis, who rose to the governorship of Florida with key backing from Trump in 2018, has faced a complicated relationship with the former president. His decision to challenge Trump was viewed as a betrayal, leading to a fierce response from Trump and his team. Many top Trump aides, who previously worked with DeSantis, have a strained relationship with him.
After dropping out of the presidential race in January, DeSantis endorsed Trump and later pledged to raise funds for Trump’s re-election during a private meeting at a South Florida golf course. DeSantis did not request a speaking slot at the convention or a position in a potential Trump administration during this meeting.
Despite endorsing Trump, DeSantis has publicly stated he does not plan to campaign extensively for him this year, believing that Florida is not in play for Democrats. For example, DeSantis was absent from Trump’s rally in Doral, despite the attendance of other prominent Florida Republicans, including the state’s two senators and Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez.
Many view DeSantis as a likely 2028 presidential contender, although his positioning could be affected by Trump’s choice of vice-presidential running mate, particularly if another Florida Republican, like Senator Marco Rubio, is selected.
As of now, few convention speakers have been confirmed for next week’s nominating process. Notably, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, another 2024 primary rival, will not be speaking or attending the convention, according to POLITICO. Haley has released her delegates and encouraged them to vote for Trump.
One confirmed speaker is West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, the party’s Senate nominee, who is expected to speak about his race, his vision for West Virginia, and Trump’s impact on the state during a “Senate candidate power hour” on Tuesday night. Justice will be accompanied by his 62-pound English bulldog, Babydog, who gained national fame during the pandemic and was the star of the “Do It For Babydog” vaccination campaign.