Ron and Casey DeSantis are getting major recognition that has Florida buzzing about what comes next

Florida’s power couple is about to receive one of conservatism’s highest honors.

The recognition comes at a time when political insiders are watching Casey DeSantis closely.

And Ron and Casey DeSantis are getting major recognition that has Florida buzzing about what comes next.

Conservative publication taps Florida’s First Couple for prestigious award

National Review has selected Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis to receive the William F Buckley Jr Prize this November.

The award recognizes individuals the magazine considers to be influential conservative figures who have made their mark on American politics.

This year’s ceremony will take place on November 5 in Palm Beach at the luxurious Breakers resort.

The event isn’t your typical political gathering.

Attendees can purchase standard tickets for $1,000, but high-dollar supporters have the option to spend $100,000 for premium access.

That top-tier package includes seating for ten guests at a prime table, having an editorial staff member join them for dinner, special recognition in the event program, and exclusive access to a VIP reception.

The date puts this celebration just about a year ahead of Florida’s next gubernatorial race.

That timing has political watchers paying extra attention to every move Casey DeSantis makes.

First Lady keeps everyone guessing about political future

The speculation around Casey DeSantis running for governor has been building for months.

National Review has been particularly vocal about her potential candidacy.

The publication has written glowing pieces about her political abilities and electoral prospects.

In one analysis, they called her someone who could mount a serious campaign and described her political instincts as exceptionally sharp.

The magazine praised her ability to connect with voters and highlighted the impressive fundraising operation that powered her husband’s campaigns.

Ron DeSantis raised more than $58 million during his first gubernatorial run in 2018 and over $177 million for his re-election campaign in 2022.

When the DeSantis couple appeared at a National Review gathering in March, Casey faced the inevitable question about her political ambitions.

Her response was the same two words she’s been using whenever the topic comes up: “we’ll see.”

Florida voters have heard that phrase from the First Lady multiple times as speculation continues to swirl.

Hope Florida controversies create political headaches

The path to higher office hasn’t been entirely smooth for Casey DeSantis recently.

Her signature initiative, Hope Florida, has faced scrutiny over how it handles money.

The charitable foundation connected to the program became the center of a political firestorm.

Questions arose about whether funds from a Medicaid settlement were improperly funneled to political groups.

Those same groups then spent money on advertisements opposing a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana in Florida.

The controversy was significant enough that the Florida Legislature launched an investigation into the money trail.

While the probe didn’t result in immediate consequences, it appears to have affected future funding for the program.

Budget documents for the upcoming year show substantial cuts to Hope Florida’s operations.

Funding for program staff and the overall office has been reduced in the current budget discussions.

Award could help rebuild political brand

The National Review recognition comes at a crucial time for Casey DeSantis’ political image.

The publication carries considerable influence in conservative circles across the country.

Their decision to honor both DeSantis family members sends a strong signal to Republican donors and activists.

The November ceremony will give Casey DeSantis another platform to showcase her conservative credentials.

It’s also an opportunity to move beyond the Hope Florida controversies and focus on policy achievements.

The timing allows her to stay in the political spotlight without having to make any commitments about 2026.

Governor Ron DeSantis faces term limits and cannot seek re-election in 2026.

That creates an open gubernatorial seat that’s sure to attract candidates from both major parties.

Casey DeSantis would start any campaign with significant built-in advantages.

She has statewide name recognition, access to proven fundraising networks, and experience working within state government.

But she would also have to address the lingering questions about Hope Florida during any campaign.

Conservative movement takes notice

National Review has been one of Casey DeSantis’ most prominent supporters in conservative media.

Their coverage consistently portrays her as a serious political figure with the skills needed to win statewide office.

The magazine has emphasized her intelligence, political savvy, and ability to connect with different types of voters.

The Buckley Prize ceremony will put her in front of a national audience of conservative leaders and major donors.

These are exactly the types of people who would be crucial to any future gubernatorial campaign.

The event also provides networking opportunities that could prove valuable if she decides to run.

Political observers will be watching her remarks closely for any hints about her intentions.

Even subtle changes in how she talks about her future could provide clues about her thinking.

Political speculation likely to continue

The November award ceremony will probably fuel even more speculation about Casey DeSantis’ political future.

Every public appearance becomes a chance for political watchers to read between the lines.

The National Review recognition adds another layer of credibility to the idea that she could be a formidable candidate.

But until she makes a definitive statement about her plans, the guessing game will continue.

The “we’ll see” response has become her trademark way of handling the question.

That approach allows her to keep all options open while avoiding premature commitments.

For now, Florida political observers will have to wait and see if the Buckley Prize recipient decides to make the jump from First Lady to gubernatorial candidate.

The November ceremony in Palm Beach will be another chapter in the ongoing Casey DeSantis speculation story.