Casey DeSantis, the wife of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, made her first solo appearance in her husband’s presidential campaign in Des Moines, Iowa. In an effort to appeal to conservative moms, DeSantis emphasized her role as a mother of three young children and her struggles to balance her political engagements with family life.
During the campaign event, DeSantis recounted a humorous anecdote about her previous experience of bringing her child to a campaign event, highlighting the challenges faced by mothers in such situations. She acknowledged the relatability of her experiences to the audience, which resonated with many mothers in attendance.
DeSantis has long been a crucial figure in her husband’s political career, serving as his advisor and supporter. From accompanying him during his congressional campaign to voicing his political message in campaign ads, she has played a significant role in shaping his public image. Her position as his “not-so-secret weapon” and “humanizer-in-chief” has been instrumental in connecting with voters and countering any negative perceptions of her husband.
The deployment of a spouse to soften a candidate’s image is a well-established tactic in presidential politics. Michelle Obama, Ann Romney, and Melania Trump have all utilized this strategy in previous campaigns to appeal to voters and present their husbands in a more empathetic light.
However, it is notable that this strategy is being employed early in the primary campaign, indicating the urgency to establish a relatable and likable image for Ron DeSantis. The couple’s partnership has sparked debates, with supporters praising Casey DeSantis as her husband’s greatest asset, while detractors view her as a potential liability or an influence on his insular campaign.
Despite the contrasting views, the hope is that Casey DeSantis can help secure the “holy grail” of presidential campaigns: relatability. Her appearance alongside Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds further emphasized her relatability as a mother and her ability to connect with other parents.
During the event, DeSantis officially launched “Mamas for DeSantis,” a national version of the group she started during her husband’s re-election campaign. She focused on a social agenda termed “parents’ rights,” encompassing issues such as school curriculum, transgender rights, and vaccine mandates. DeSantis positioned Ron DeSantis as a champion for conservative parents’ concerns, resonating with some members of the audience, particularly those affiliated with Moms for Liberty, a conservative group.
However, not all attendees were convinced. Some, like Malina Cottington, sought a candidate with a stronger stance on parental rights, favoring the bold plan of Ron DeSantis’ Republican rival Vivek Ramaswamy, who has pledged to abolish the Department of Education. Each voter’s perspective reflects their specific concerns and desires for preserving their parental rights.
As the presidential primary campaign progresses, it remains to be seen how Casey DeSantis’ involvement will continue to shape Ron DeSantis’ political narrative and attract support from conservative voters, particularly moms who resonate with her experiences and values.