Republican Rep. Ron DeSantis, who recently won President Donald Trump's tweeted endorsement for the job of Florida governor even before he was a candidate, has entered the race.
DeSantis announced Friday he’ll join a crowded field seeking to succeed Gov. Rick Scott, who leaves office in 2019 due to term limits. DeSantis' entry comes after Trump tweeted last month that DeSantis is "a brilliant young leader" who "would make a GREAT governor."
Congressman Ron DeSantis is a brilliant young leader, Yale and then Harvard Law, who would make a GREAT Governor of Florida. He loves our Country and is a true FIGHTER!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 22, 2017
The 39-year-old DeSantis is a Navy veteran and graduate of both Yale and Harvard who has represented a northeast Florida district since 2013. His district includes Flagler and Volusia counties.
DeSantis took a swipe at other Republicans in Florida's capital in his initial campaign announcement, vowing to "drain the swamp in Tallahassee that needs to be drained."
Republicans have controlled state government for two decades.