DeSantis Denies Reaching Out About 2028 Run
Florida's governor disputed a Washington Post report that he plans to seek the presidency, saying he has not reached out to anyone about running for anything.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Elections
The Washington Post reported Friday that Ron DeSantis plans to run for president, citing one person close to him who said he had reached out to at least one national political consultant. DeSantis posted on social media that the report was not true and that he has not contacted anybody about running for anything.
Why it matters
A possible DeSantis presidential bid would shape the Republican field ahead of future primaries, and his denial leaves his post-governorship plans unclear. DeSantis has not confirmed his plans after Governor-elect Byron Donalds takes over.
DeSantis finished second at the 2024 Iowa Caucuses, about 30 points behind Donald Trump and ahead of Nikki Haley. The Washington Post's report rests on one unnamed source, and DeSantis has not confirmed any plans.
The players
Ron DeSantis
Governor of Florida who campaigned for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024 and finished second in the Iowa Caucuses.
Donald Trump
Former president and Republican presidential nominee who won the 2024 Iowa Caucuses by about 30 points over DeSantis.
The Washington Post
Major national newspaper based in Washington, D.C., that first reported DeSantis's presidential plans.
The details
The Washington Post reported that DeSantis reached out to at least one national political consultant about working on a campaign. DeSantis responded on social media Friday evening, writing that the report was not true and that he has not reached out to anybody about running for anything.
Timeline
2024: DeSantis campaigns in Iowa and finishes second at the Iowa Caucuses.
Friday, November 6, 2026: The Washington Post reports DeSantis plans to run for president; he denies it the same day.
After Governor-elect Byron Donalds takes office: DeSantis's future plans remain unconfirmed.
Season Trajectory
DeSantis's second-place finish in the 2024 Iowa Caucuses, about 30 points behind Donald Trump, is the backdrop for the report of a renewed bid. The denial leaves that Republican primary trajectory unresolved.
Voters following the Republican primary should treat the report as unconfirmed until DeSantis or his associates make a formal announcement. Any campaign launch would likely come after Byron Donalds takes office as Florida's governor.
The takeaway
Reports of presidential ambitions often precede formal announcements by months, so readers should watch for an official filing or campaign launch before drawing conclusions. DeSantis's denial makes clear that nothing has been confirmed yet.
Further reading
For broader context on the race, see Elections coverage across the country.
