PERSON: Ron DeSantis

46th Governor

Ron DeSantis, in full Ronald Dion DeSantis, (born September 14, 1978, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.), American Republican politician who serves as governor of Florida (2019– ) and who is a leading figure in the conservative movement. He previously was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives (2013–18).

Early life, education, and military service
DeSantis is the eldest of two children born to Karen DeSantis, a nurse, and Ronald Daniel DeSantis, an installer of Nielsen TV-ratings boxes. From a young age, Ron DeSantis was a standout baseball player, earning distinction as both a third baseman and pitcher. In 1991 he helped the Dunedin (Florida) team qualify for the Little League World Series, though they lost in the quarterfinals. DeSantis continued to play baseball when he attended Yale University, where he was captain of the varsity team.

After graduating in 2001 with a history degree, DeSantis briefly worked as a teacher at a prep school before studying law at Harvard University (J.D., 2005). During this time he also joined the U.S. Navy (2004) and became an officer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. His service included a stint at the naval base in Guantánamo Bay, site of a notable detention facility. DeSantis was also deployed to Iraq, and while there he was a legal adviser to a Navy SEAL commander. His commendations included a Bronze Star for meritorious service. In 2010 DeSantis left active duty but remained in the U.S. Navy Reserves. That year he also married Casey Black, a TV reporter and local news anchor. The couple have three children.

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