Gov. Ron DeSantis opened the 2023 legislative session Tuesday by declaring that while he has pushed Florida onto the controversial, conservative ground over the past four years, he is determined to shift the state even further right in the coming weeks.
Speaking to a House chamber crowded with lawmakers – DeSantis’ State of the State address was structured to echo far beyond the state Capitol, in advance of his expected bid for the Republican presidential nomination.
“We find ourselves in Florida on the front lines in the battle for freedom,” DeSantis said in his 30-minute speech. “Together, we have made Florida the nation’s most desired destination and we have produced historic results.”
After running through highlights of his first term – fighting COVID-19 vaccine mandates, pushing parental rights in schools, and blunting migrants from staying in the state – DeSantis pledged that more is to come.
“Now’s not the time to rest on our laurels. We have the opportunity and indeed the responsibility, to swing for the fences,” he said, telling the Republican-controlled Legislature, “Don’t worry about the chattering class.”
“I can promise you this, you ain’t seen nothing yet,” the governor concluded.
The governor’s office set up a video camera in the House press gallery Tuesday to capture DeSantis’ State of the State address, possibly for future campaign purposes. He’s also been touring the nation in recent days promoting his new book, a political memoir titled, “The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival.”
DeSantis’ formal kick-off for his bid for the Republican presidential nomination is expected sometime after lawmakers leave Tallahassee.