Introduction
Since taking office in January 2019, Ron DeSantis has been making waves in Florida politics. The former congressman and Navy veteran has been praised by some for his conservative policies and criticized by others for his controversial decisions. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the career and policies of Governor Ron DeSantis.
Early Life and Education
Ronald Dion DeSantis was born on September 14, 1978, in Jacksonville, Florida. He grew up in Dunedin, Florida, where he attended Dunedin High School. DeSantis went on to attend Yale University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in history in 2001. He then received a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 2005.
Career as a Lawyer and Navy Veteran
After graduating from law school, DeSantis worked as an attorney in private practice. He also served as a judge advocate in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 2004 to 2010, during which time he was deployed to Iraq as an adviser to a U.S. Navy SEAL commander. DeSantis was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Iraq.
Congressional Career
In 2012, DeSantis was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida’s 6th congressional district. He was reelected in 2014, 2016, and 2018. During his time in Congress, DeSantis was a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump and his policies. He also served on the House Judiciary, Oversight and Government Reform, and Foreign Affairs committees.
Governorship
In November 2018, DeSantis was elected governor of Florida, defeating Democrat Andrew Gillum. Since taking office, DeSantis has made headlines for his policies on a variety of issues.
COVID-19 Response
DeSantis has been criticized for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida. He initially resisted implementing strict measures to slow the spread of the virus, and the state saw a surge in cases and deaths in the summer of 2020. DeSantis has also been accused of favoring wealthy donors and political allies in the distribution of vaccines.
Education
DeSantis has been a strong advocate for school choice and voucher programs. He has also been criticized for his handling of the state’s education system, including his support for controversial programs such as the Best and Brightest teacher bonus program and the expansion of charter schools.
Environmental Policies
DeSantis has received praise for his environmental policies, including his efforts to combat harmful algal blooms and his support for Everglades restoration. He has also been criticized for his ties to the sugar industry and his opposition to a ban on fracking in Florida.
Conclusion
Ron DeSantis has been a controversial figure in Florida politics since taking office as governor. His policies have been praised by some and criticized by others, and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a particularly contentious issue. Regardless of one’s opinion of DeSantis, there is no denying that he has made a significant impact on Florida politics in a short amount of time.
