From The Conversation · Liv Coleman · · 1m 30s
DeSantis' Two Terms Reshaped Florida
Florida's political shift under DeSantis' two terms: conservative policies through executive power.
In brief
Florida's political shift under DeSantis' two terms: conservative policies through executive power. DeSantis' two terms expanded executive power, cemented conservative policies, and shifted Florida's political landscape. Originally reported by The Conversation.
DeSantis' election win
DeSantis won Florida's 2018 governor election with a margin of over 30,000 votes.
Early executive control
DeSantis requested a binder of his gubernatorial powers immediately after winning the election.
Veto power strategy
DeSantis used line-item veto power to control legislative agendas with minimal pushback.
Manatee County case
DeSantis vetoed $4 million in budget requests from Manatee County lawmakers in 2025.
Pandemic response
DeSantis reopened Florida in August 2020 after initial lockdowns, citing safer public health conditions.
Immigration emergency
DeSantis declared a state immigration emergency in January 2023, renewing it every 60 days.
Alligator Alcatraz
DeSantis built Alligator Alcatraz, a federal immigrant detention center on protected Everglades land.
“cruel and unnecessary”
Higher education reform
DeSantis appointed conservative trustees to remake New College of Florida into the 'Hillsdale of the South'.
Voter registration shifts
Republican voter registrations outnumbered Democrats by 1.5 million statewide after DeSantis' terms.
Redistricting impact
DeSantis pushed partisan gerrymandered maps to win up to four new Republican congressional seats.
2026 gubernatorial race
DeSantis endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds for the 2026 governor race against David Jolly.
Florida's political future
Florida's political future remains uncertain due to independent voters and national Republican unpopularity.
The key point
DeSantis' two terms expanded executive power, cemented conservative policies, and shifted Florida's political landscape.
