Who Is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' Wife, Casey DeSantis?

In recent years, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has emerged as a prominent figure in US politics. With his rising popularity and several notable achievements on a local level, DeSantis formally announced on May 24, 2023, that he is seeking the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. The governor has won over conservatives across the country and garnered a dedicated following for tackling issues such as unemployment, education reform, and law and order.

Of course, he couldn't have done any of it without the support of his wife, Casey DeSantis. Casey is said to be the governor's closest political adviser. The couple has three children, but she's more than just the wife of Governor DeSantis. Casey has been actively helping her husband and as per Governor DeSantis' official website, she has even launched four major initiatives since becoming Florida's First Lady in 2019.

Casey played a vital role in Governor Ron DeSantis' campaign, with Politico even describing her as "the most powerful first lady in Florida political history." Vanity Fair reported that Casey is crucial to every decision the governor makes, and is the only person Ron really listens to, whether he's considering which staff to hire, what to wear, and naturally, his positions on policy. Expect to see much more of her in the coming months. 

A strong pillar that can either make or break Governor DeSantis' presidential campaign

Jill Casey Black was born on June 26, 1980, to an optometrist father and a speech pathologist mother. She's a former resident of Troy who attended the College of Charleston in South Carolina, earning a bachelor's degree in economics with a minor in French. She met the governor on a golf course at the Naval Station Mayport and they got married in 2009. Casey has a background in broadcast journalism and has worked as an anchor and host for several news outlets including CNN. 

Her experience in the media has provided Casey with the necessary background knowledge to advocate for important causes and to amplify the voices of those in need. The role of the first lady often signifies grace, influence, and dedication to public service. Casey embodies these qualities and has made a significant impact in her own right as the First Lady of Florida. But her life has not been without hardships. 

In October 2021, Ron DeSantis revealed his wife's heartbreaking health diagnosis. Just five months later, in March 2022, Casey confirmed that her treatments were successful and she was now breast cancer-free. Governor DeSantis' wife's journey with breast cancer has only made her stronger, however. Casey has since dedicated her time and effort to raising awareness, which eventually led to the first lady securing $100 million in recurring funding for cancer research.