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Florida Republicans Push to Restrict Governor DeSantis Staff’s Political Fundraising Activities
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is facing scrutiny over his administration’s fundraising practices as state Republicans seek to limit political activities by government employees. For at least two instances in the past year, high-ranking staff members within Governor DeSantis’s administration have reportedly played a direct role in soliciting campaign contributions, a practice now under fire from members of his own party.
Proposed Legislation Targets Political Activities of State Employees
A legislative proposal, backed by Republicans in the Florida House, aims to prohibit state employees, including those working directly for the governor, from engaging in typical campaign-related activities during work hours. This includes the solicitation of funds for political campaigns.
The measure was introduced following reports from NBC News detailing instances where senior aides in the governor’s office contacted state lobbyists to raise money for a political committee aligned with DeSantis. Speculation suggests these funds could potentially support a gubernatorial run by his wife, Casey DeSantis, who has indicated she is considering entering the race. Further reports from NBC News last year also indicated that top DeSantis administration personnel were involved in political fundraising efforts for his unsuccessful presidential bid.
Legislator Voices Concerns Over Fundraising Practices
“You cannot solicit funds, you cannot be engaged in the political campaign fundraising process,” stated Republican state Representative Debbie Mayfield during a House committee meeting last week, highlighting the core concern behind the proposed legislation. While Rep. Mayfield did not explicitly name Governor DeSantis, he retains the power to veto the bill should it pass the legislature.
Speculation Surrounds Casey DeSantis’s Potential Gubernatorial Bid
Governor DeSantis’s political team has been gauging support for a potential gubernatorial campaign by Casey DeSantis. This comes amidst a developing challenge from U.S. Representative Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican endorsed by former President Donald Trump, who has rapidly amassed over $5 million for his own campaign.
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The governor’s office has not issued a response to requests for comment regarding the proposed restrictions on staff political activities.
Potential Penalties for Violations
Under the proposed legislation, individuals found in violation of the restrictions on political fundraising could face a first-degree misdemeanor charge.
Shifting Political Landscape for DeSantis
This development reflects a shifting political landscape for Governor DeSantis. Since assuming office in 2019, DeSantis has largely benefited from a Republican-controlled legislature willing to support his agenda, particularly in building a national profile for his presidential aspirations. However, he is now encountering resistance from Republican lawmakers on multiple fronts. These include proposals that could limit his authority and calls for investigations into past administration decisions.
Republican Lawmakers Push Back on DeSantis Initiatives
Tensions between Governor DeSantis and Republican legislators surfaced earlier in the year during debates over immigration policy. Republican lawmakers challenged a DeSantis-backed immigration proposal intended to mirror executive orders issued by then-President Trump.
Additionally, House Republicans are advocating for an inquiry into $10 million in state funds Florida received as part of a settlement with a major Medicaid provider. Reports in The Miami Herald indicate these funds were directed to Hope Florida, a charity spearheaded by Casey DeSantis.
The Tampa Bay Times further reported that Hope Florida subsequently distributed $5 million each to two organizations, which then channeled millions to a political action committee campaigning against a pro-marijuana amendment. This sequence of events has ignited scrutiny regarding the use of state funds for potentially political purposes, specifically supporting a cause championed by DeSantis. Critics have questioned the appropriateness of utilizing settlement money from a Medicaid agreement for political ends.
Administration Denies Wrongdoing, Investigation Proposed
The DeSantis administration has refuted claims of wrongdoing, asserting that the funds were not used for the 2024 political campaigns or any other improper purposes.
State House Speaker Danny Perez, a Republican representing Miami, announced that the House will investigate the matter. This investigation could potentially involve the issuance of subpoenas to compel the production of records from Hope Florida.
2026 Gubernatorial Race Implications
The ongoing dispute is viewed through the lens of the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial race. Supporters of Byron Donalds, including prominent Trump loyalists, are reportedly leveraging the issue to criticize both Ron and Casey DeSantis.
Laura Loomer, a far-right commentator and vocal supporter of Trump, has been actively vocal on social media regarding the Hope Florida controversy. In a recent social media post to her substantial online following, Loomer referred to Casey DeSantis with a disparaging label.