Republican governor. Ron DeSantis sounds a lot like a 2024 presidential candidate when he was sworn into a second term. He addressed national issues such as inflation and also highlighted his plans for the state.

DeSantis focused on the message that helped him win his reelection bid by a landslide. He also built a national image of a conservative and criticized “woke” ideology. He repeatedly called Florida a leader in freedom and set the stage for a possible run for the White House.

DeSantis stated that Florida’s success was hindered by Washington D.C.’s floundering federal government. He said that the Federal government had gone on an inflationary spending spree that left our nation weaker, and our citizens poorer.

He stated that Washington’s political ideology has suppressed freedom and hampered commerce on matters like COVID-19 spending restrictions and immigration policy.

We reject this woke ideology. We want normalcy, not philosophical lunacy. We won’t allow truth, reality, and facts to be made optional. We will not give in to the woke mob. Florida is the place where woke dies,” DeSantis declared to loud applause.

Fentrice Driskell, Democratic House Leader, said that DeSantis’ speech was more about his political ambitions than it was about solving the state’s problems.

Driskell stated in a press release that “This is probably Florida’s first governor to deliver an inaugural speech, not speaking to the people and challenges of the state”, but rather directed at GOP primary voters or billionaire donors. Driskell said in a news release that whenever he feels the need to distract from his failing record, he creates another fake “woke” boogeyman to fight.

After the three independent elected members of Florida’s Cabinet were sworn into office, the ceremony took place. He took his oath before the historic Capitol of Florida, where the main street through the capital was renamed Ron DeSantis Avenue for the day.

In November, DeSantis beat Charlie Crist, a former Republican governor who was also a Democratic congressman. This was a major blowout in a state that is known for its close elections. Other Republicans on the statewide ballot also won with similar margins.

DeSantis built a national reputation along the way. He often traveled the country to raise funds for himself and campaign for other candidates.

To win the 2018 governor’s election, DeSantis used a Trump endorsement. It was a close race that required re-counts. DeSantis’ popularity was built largely by his opposition to COVID-19, constant attacks on President Joe Biden, and vocal advocacy on issues such as illegal immigration, giving parents greater control over school books, instruction, and policies that are seen as anti-LGBTQ.

“Florida was the lynchpin of freedom when other states made their citizens slaves to the dustbin.” DeSantis stated that Florida was a refuge for the sanity when the world lost its minds and common sense became an uncommon virtue.

“Florida is a positive example that the people aren’t destined for failure. You can choose to decline. You can achieve success. DeSantis stated that freedom is something worth fighting for.

Politically, DeSantis helped to make the state more conservative through his involvement in local politics, reshaping school boards, and taking full control over the rewriting of congressional maps in order to give Republicans more power at the U.S. House.

Trump’s success is now attributed to Trump. He will be the most prominent Republican to challenge him in 2024.

Florida’s next legislative session will begin in two months. DeSantis promises legislation that will create family-friendly tax cuts, increase gun rights, and make it harder for teachers to join unions.

DeSantis said that he supports restrictions on abortions, although he has not yet provided details.