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Last Updated on: 18th June 2024, 09:30 am
Ron DeSantis, the Governor of Florida, is currently ranked in second place for the GOP presidential nomination in most Republican primary polls. A Florida native, DeSantis comes from humble beginnings, working his way to success through a series of remarkable achievements.
Here are some facts about Ron DeSantis that may surprise you:
1. He Played In The Little League World Series
In 1991, Ron DeSantis played a pivotal role as a pitcher and third baseman in leading his baseball team to the Little League World Series, where he made his mark by striking out 11 batters and hitting a home run against Saudi Arabia.
His team finished sixth in the world.
2. He Went To Yale and Harvard
During his time at Yale University, DeSantis pursued a major in history and also dedicated himself to the baseball team. He was one of the team’s top hitters in his senior year, batting .336, and was elected as the captain, according to the New Yorker.
After graduating with honors from Yale, DeSantis enrolled in Harvard Law School, from which he graduated cum laude.
3. He Served As a Lawyer In The JAG
The New Yorker reported that DeSantis was inspired by the movie “A Few Good Men,” leading him to join the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps in the U.S. Navy.
Like Tom Cruise in the movie, DeSantis also served at Guantánamo Bay, dealing with detainees and impressing his colleagues with his exceptional work ethic, speed, writing skills, commitment, and efficiency.
4. He Was In Iraq With Seal Team One
In 2007, DeSantis was deployed to Iraq as a lawyer for SEAL Team One, which was actively conducting operations in Ramadi.
While SEALs are known for their secretive and exclusive nature, DeSantis connected well with them. According to his father, he even engaged in workouts with the SEALs. DeSantis had the responsibility of providing the SEALs with briefings on rules of engagement, outlining when they could open fire and how they were to handle detainees, according to the New Yorker.
5. He Got Married In Disney World
In an interview with Insider, DeSantis admitted that he got married in Disney World, a choice he now calls “ironic” given the battle between the Governor and the House of Mouse due to their “woke” policies.
Casey DeSantis explained that the idea of having their wedding at Disney World stemmed from fond memories of her parents’ visits to the theme park during her upbringing in Ohio.
“When she raised this issue with me, I was just thinking, ‘I mean are we going to have like Mickey Mouse showing up?'” DeSantis said in an interview.
“I was like, we can do it where you want, but… She said, ‘No, no. No characters or anything.’ It actually was really nice,” DeSantis said in the interview.
Casey DeSantis got her way.
The venue for the DeSantis’ wedding was the Grand Floridian’s wedding pavilion, a beautiful chapel offering views of Cinderella’s Castle and the Seven Seas Lagoon.
The reception took place at Epcot’s Italy Isola, in homage to the couple’s Italian heritage.
“We never would have thought that how many years later we would be tussling with Disney in a political office. But life can be unpredictable,” DeSantis told Insider.
Ron and Casey have three kids — Madison, Mason, and Mamie.
6. He Served Three Terms In Congress
According to Politico, in 2012, DeSantis pursued a seat in Congress within a newly delineated district extending from Jacksonville to Orlando, leveraging the surge of Tea Party sentiment.
Casey helped a lot with his campaigns with her easygoing style and grace.
DeSantis served in Congress for three terms, leaving in 2018 to run for Governor.
7. He Stood Up Against COVID-19 Lockdowns
After initially mandating a month-long stay-at-home, DeSantis took a firm and resolute turn, vowing against any further lockdowns. He emphasized the importance of in-person schooling and adamantly advocated for open schools. Additionally, he stood firmly against mask and vaccine mandates in his state.
DeSantis has also maintained an anti-woke stance, especially with regard to issues surrounding parental rights.
Ron DeSantis undoubtedly has a stellar record both before and after entering politics. His stances on mandates and “woke” ideology made him a favorite of the Right.
Is it enough to win him the GOP presidential nomination?
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