Despite being a staunch conservative, DeSantis has said he wants to move Florida "in a bold, optimistic direction" and has championed some bipartisan initiatives like increased funding for Everglades restoration.
DeSantis has taken a hardline stance on immigration, signing legislation that allows the state to transport undocumented migrants to other states and sharply curtailing Medicaid coverage for undocumented immigrants.
Also worth reading: How does the current political climate in Colombia differ from previous years? · How to verify dating profile identity in 2026: A definitive guide to spotting AI fakes and catfish? · How to spot AI generated dating photos in 2026?
He has emerged as a national leader in the Republican party's culture wars, signing bills restricting LGBTQ+ discussions in schools and banning certain diversity, equity and inclusion programs in state agencies.
DeSantis has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration's pandemic response, rejecting mask and vaccine mandates, and has signed legislation prohibiting COVID-related discrimination in employment.
As governor, DeSantis has sought to reshape the state's judiciary, appointing conservative judges who align with his vision, including several to the Florida Supreme Court.
DeSantis has prioritized tax cuts and limiting government spending, signing budgets that have reduced overall state expenditures while increasing funding for priorities like education and environmental protection.
He has taken aim at Big Tech, signing a law that allows Floridians to sue social media companies for alleged censorship, though the law has faced legal challenges.
DeSantis has been a staunch supporter of gun rights, signing legislation that allows Floridians to carry concealed firearms without a permit and prohibits local governments from enacting stricter gun laws.
He has been a vocal critic of what he calls "woke indoctrination" in schools, pushing for curriculum changes and parental rights legislation that has drawn national attention.
DeSantis has positioned himself as a staunch defender of former President Trump's America First agenda, aligning himself closely with Trump and his base of supporters.
Despite his conservative leanings, DeSantis has shown a willingness to work with Democrats on certain issues, such as securing federal funding for hurricane relief and Everglades restoration.
His combative style and willingness to take on perceived adversaries, whether they are the media, the federal government, or businesses that don't align with his views, have made him a polarizing figure both in Florida and nationally.
DeSantis has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration's energy and environmental policies, signing legislation that prohibits state agencies from considering climate change in their decision-making.
He has taken a hardline stance on abortion, signing a law that bans the procedure after 15 weeks of pregnancy, with limited exceptions, and vowing to further restrict access if re-elected.
DeSantis has been a champion of "parental rights" in education, signing a law that allows parents to sue school districts over curriculum and other policies they disagree with.
He has been a vocal supporter of law enforcement, signing legislation that provides pay raises and bonuses for police officers and creating a state-level "anti-riot" law that critics have said infringes on free speech.
DeSantis has been a proponent of using state power to shape the economy, signing legislation that limits the ability of local governments to raise taxes and implement certain business regulations.
He has been a vocal critic of the federal government's response to the opioid crisis, and has championed state-level initiatives to address addiction and overdose prevention.
DeSantis has been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, signing legislation that allows Floridians to carry concealed firearms without a permit and prohibits local governments from enacting stricter gun laws.
He has been a vocal critic of what he sees as "woke" ideology in higher education, signing legislation that requires public universities to survey student and faculty political beliefs and prohibits the use of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.