U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, who has made it official that he plans to run for governor, is no stranger here in The Villages.
The Republican Congressman has already sewn up the endorsement of Donald Trump.
When Trump was running for president, DeSantis was prominently onstage at Savannah Center with running mate Mike Pence. That same year, DeSantis also shared the stage at Savannah Center with Congressman Trey Gowdy, chairman of the U.S. House Select Committee on Benghazi. At the time, DeSantis was a candidate for U.S. Senate, but gave up his bid when U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio opted to seek a second term.
“Congressman Ron DeSantis is a brilliant young leader,” Trump wrote in his endorsement. “Would make a GREAT Governor of Florida.”
DeSantis, 39, who has served in Congress since 2012, has been a Tea Party favorite.
Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican, is term-limited from another run and is widely expected to run for governor.
