Florida has always been a state that sets the pace for national politics. What happens here doesn’t stay here—it ripples outward. That’s why many voters are scratching their heads right now. We keep hearing that Governor Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump have put past tensions behind them. Yet, when we look at the slate of candidates emerging for Florida’s top offices, we are left confused and baffled by the number of chess pieces in motion. The political board is crowded and taxpayers are left wondering if they can keep up with the game.

Governor

• Trump’s Move. President Trump formally endorsed Congressman Byron Donalds for Governor in February, a candidate who has already secured significant endorsements across Florida. His campaign is running strong, and many thought the board was set—until a DeSantis piece entered the game.
• DeSantis’s Move. Governor DeSantis has backed Sen. Jay Collins, whom he elevated to Lieutenant Governor after Jeanette Núñez left the post to lead Florida International University. Collins has barely settled into his new role, yet is already raising the possibility of running for Governor.

Attorney General

• DeSantis’s Move. The Governor appointed his longtime confidant James Uthmeier to replace now-Senator Ashley Moody, who left her AG seat when she was tapped for the U.S. Senate after Marco Rubio became Secretary of State. Uthmeier is now expected to run for Attorney General in 2026.
• Trump’s Counter-Move. Trump allies are reportedly encouraging Florida House Speaker Danny Perez to challenge Uthmeier. Perez had an openly hostile relationship with DeSantis during the last legislative session—an ugly feud that Floridians had to watch play out on the taxpayers’ dime.

Chief Financial Officer

• DeSantis’s Move. Blaise Ingoglia, a seasoned legislator with strong conservative credentials, was tapped to fill the vacancy left by Jimmy Patronis when he pursued a congressional run. Ingoglia made “good” waves immediately by charging head-on with the Florida DOGE initiative. Known for his “Government Gone Wild” initiative during the Tea Party era, he remains as fiery and consistent as ever.
• Trump’s Counter-Move. Trump’s team is reportedly nudging State Rep. Kevin Steele of Pasco County into the race. Steele is less known statewide, leaving voters to wonder what his true platform would bring to the board.

(Personal Note:  Can politicians stay in their position before moving on to another right away? It sends a message it is all about their political ladder climb than about us.  Just sayin…)

We support healthy competition and believe it can sharpen candidates and bring out the best ideas. But to the voting public, this isn’t looking like healthy competition—it feels like endless political maneuvering. More chess moves, less checkmate for the people. 

Floridians admire both leaders. We love Trump and he’s taken a bullet for us which says a lot. We like DeSantis and lost a little respect for him when he ran for President instead of staying and finishing his term as Governor (see Personal note above).   

We respect what they both have accomplished. So why do their supporters still act like rivals instead of allies?  Only they know why and we are just left here trying to keep up with the moves on the board.

A Call for Unity

Here’s what most Republican Floridians long for: a slate of strong candidates that shows Trump and DeSantis are truly on the same page. Imagine the strength of a unified ticket—leaders chosen together, not in opposition. Imagine how confident voters would feel. Imagine how energized donors would be. Imagine how much money could be saved if campaigns weren’t forced to waste millions on attack ads, mailbox flyers, and negative radio spots. Instead of another bruising season of political trench warfare, Florida could experience an election that actually inspires. Just thinking about that kind of election cycle makes my skin tingle!

Voters are weary of being pawns in political turf wars. We want leaders who can stand shoulder to shoulder, even when they don’t agree on every detail. The real stakes—insurance reform, hurricane recovery, rising property taxes, and economic stability—are far too high for distraction and division.

President Trump’s biggest move of all is this…

He said he wants to be remembered as the Peace President.

That’s a vision we can all rally behind.

And it’s one Florida needs now more than ever.

Peace over political gamesmanship. Unity over division. That’s the path forward—for Florida and for the nation. 

Give Peace a chance in the next Florida political season, please.