A recent University of North Florida poll reveals Florida's First Lady, Casey DeSantis, as the leading contender to succeed her husband, Governor Ron DeSantis, in the 2026 gubernatorial race. The poll, conducted in February 2025, shows DeSantis with a 57% favorability rating among Republican voters, surpassing other potential candidates.

While DeSantis' overall favorability stands at 30%, with 22% unfavorable and a significant 33% unfamiliar with her, Dr. Michael Binder, the poll's director, suggests her connection to the current governor contributes to her positive perception. He anticipates increased name recognition for all potential candidates as the 2026 primary approaches.

Other individuals mentioned as potential candidates include former Representative Matt Gaetz, Senator Ashley Moody, Representative Byron Donalds, and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. Gaetz, despite a 39% unfavorable rating overall, holds a 33% favorability among Republicans. Moody and Donalds enjoy greater favorability than unfavorability among those who recognize them, while Simpson remains largely unknown.

Gaetz's departure from Congress followed an aborted nomination for Attorney General under President Trump, amidst allegations of misconduct which he denied. Moody assumed Senator Marco Rubio's seat after Rubio's appointment to the State Department, also under Trump. Donalds, a staunch Trump supporter, received public praise from the former president. Despite the speculation, Governor DeSantis has downplayed any interest his wife might have in pursuing political office.