DeSantis blasts Washington Post over report he's preparing 2028 presidential bid
Ron DeSantis rebutted a Washington Post report that he is gearing up for a 2028 presidential bid, labeling it fabrications and denying outreach to any consultants. The confrontation comes as the GOP faced broad midterm setbacks, though Florida remained a bright spot where DeSantis’ potential bid is under scrutiny as he approaches the end of his term. He criticized anonymous sources and warned that speculation could be a clicks-driven tactic. The piece situates the dispute amid questions about the party’s future after a difficult electoral cycle and hints at ongoing deliberations regarding a possible comeback run.
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The Washington Post report claimed DeSantis was preparing to seek the 2028 Republican presidential nomination and had begun contacting national political consultants; three people briefed on his plans were cited.
DeSantis publicly rejected the report, calling it fabrications and stating he has not reached out to anyone about running for anything, while accusing anonymous sources of fabricating the story for clicks.
The midterm context described includes sweeping GOP losses, with the party losing control of both chambers of Congress and several traditional strongholds, even as Florida appeared relatively resilient with local GOP gains such as Byron Donalds winning the governorship.
The article notes DeSantis’ previous 2024 presidential bid and that he is term-limited after 2026, with speculation continuing about a potential future campaign.
A federal super PAC aligned with DeSantis reportedly sent fundraising messages around the same time the Post story was published, illustrating continued financial activity tied to his political profile.