Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis launches 2024 GOP presidential campaign to challenge Trump

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis entered the 2024 presidential race on Wednesday, stepping into a crowded Republican primary contest that will test both his national appeal as an outspoken cultural conservative and the GOP’s willingness to move on from former President Donald Trump.

The 44-year-old Republican revealed his decision in a Federal Election Commission filing before addressing his decision in a video posted on social media. He tried to discuss his decision further in an online conversation with Twitter CEO Elon Musk, although the audio stream crashed repeatedly.

“We need the courage to lead and the strength to win,” DeSantis said in the minute-long video. “I’m Ron DeSantis, and I’m running for president to lead our great American comeback.”

Despite the rocky start, DeSantis’ announcement marks a new chapter in his extraordinary rise from little-known congressman to two-term governor to a leading figure in the nation’s bitter fights over race, gender, abortion and other divisive issues.