The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, is working on the creation of a conservative think tank that would allow him to maintain his influence in U.S. politics after leaving office in January 2027, while keeping his options open for the 2028 presidential elections.
According to NBC News, DeSantis and his chief of staff, Jason Weida, have been quietly working for several months on creating an organization aimed at attracting potential donors, retaining collaborators, and maintaining an active voice in the future of the Republican Party.
A think tank to maintain its political influence
The initiative would allow the governor to develop his own political structure from which to promote conservative proposals, maintain relationships with potential funders, and participate in the party's national debates once his term concludes.
DeSantis cannot run for a third consecutive term as governor due to the limits set by the Florida Constitution.
His departure from the position is scheduled for January 2027.
The establishment of the think tank coincides with the initial discussions about potential candidates for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028.
Although the governor has not confirmed that he will run again, the creation of an organization with these characteristics could facilitate a future campaign for him.
DeSantis and his options for 2028
The governor has regained prominence in the national political debate following the midterm elections of November 2026, in which the Republicans suffered significant defeats outside of Florida.
In his recent public appearances, DeSantis has questioned his party's electoral performance in other states and defended the results achieved by Republicans in Florida.
For now, the information about the think tank does not confirm his presidential aspirations.
The project, however, would provide him with a platform to preserve his political team, strengthen his ties with donors, and maintain a national presence without holding a public office.
The background of his 2024 presidential candidacy
DeSantis already attempted to reach the White House in 2024 when he competed with Donald Trump for the Republican nomination.
Her campaign, which initially generated high expectations and had significant financial resources, ended before the New Hampshire primaries.
On January 21, 2024, he announced his withdrawal from the race and expressed his support for Trump after finishing second in the Iowa caucus.
As we approach 2028, DeSantis is among the names being mentioned as potential Republican candidates, although he has not yet announced a candidacy. In the meantime, the think tank he is establishing with Weida could become his main political platform after leaving the governorship.
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