Florida Republican Senator Files To Amend “Resign-to-Run” Law Ahead Of Gov. DeSantis Potential 2024 Presidential Bid

Republicans stick together, or at least that’s the case in Florida. A Republican senator has filed to amend a law that could help Florida Governor Ron DeSantis if he decides to go after a 2024 presidential bid.

Sen. Travis Huston filed an amendment to an elections bill in the state Senate, proposing altering the “resign to run: law language.” If approved, the resignation requirement would not apply to “Persons seeking the office of President or Vice President of the United States,” CBS News reported.

The state’s law currently prohibits a public official from running for another office while in their elected without sending a resignation letter.

DeSantis would have to send his letter ten days before Florida’s presidential qualification deadline at the beginning of December. His resignation would be irrevocable and take effect the day the president-elect is inaugurated in 2025, even if he loses in the primary or general election. 

“The amendments made to s. 99.012, Florida Statutes, by this act are intended to clarify existing law,” Hutson’s amendment states. 

In 2007, Florida repealed the “resign-to-run” when then-Republican Governor Charlie Crist was on the list to be 2008 GOP nominee John McCain’s running mate. Former Republican Governor and Senator Rick Scott signed the law into effect in 2018.

If the amendment passes through, it will take effect July 1. The amendment will be discussed and debated Wednesday, with a potential vote the same day or following. 

DeSantis said he wouldn’t decide on a 2024 presidential run until after the legislative session ends in early May.