Sen. Marco Rubio also quickly defeated Democratic challenger Val Demings, NBC News projected.
MIAMI — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis notched a quick election night win, NBC News projected Tuesday, a victory that could become a springboard for a future White House run and put him on a collision course with former President Donald Trump.
DeSantis’ victory over former Rep. Charlie Crist — fueled by a massive cash advantage, political headwinds against Democrats like Crist and changing demographics in a reddening state — contrasted sharply with the governor’s election four years ago when he won by less than half a percentage point.
Sen. Marco Rubio also cruised to victory Tuesday night, NBC News projected, securing his third term amid a statewide Democratic collapse. He defeated Democratic Rep. Val Demings.
Now, as ballots continue to be tallied, DeSantis supporters and campaign insiders hope he wins bragging rights by exceeding Jeb Bush’s historic 2002 margin when he secured re-election as governor by 12.8 percentage points. DeSantis also might become the first Republican gubernatorial candidate since Bush to win Miami-Dade, the state’s largest county, which also has its largest Hispanic population and was once considered a Democratic bastion.
The red wave under DeSantis appeared so big that, for the first time since Reconstruction, Florida is on pace to have no statewide elected Democrat, calling into further question its swing state status.
The Legislature is controlled by the GOP and all seven of the state’s Supreme Court justices were appointed by Republicans, four by DeSantis.
“A big win in Florida is a huge proof point for DeSantis, a strong point for showcasing governing strength and electoral strength,” said David Kochel, a veteran Republican campaign adviser who hails from first-in-the-nation-caucus Iowa. “The fact DeSantis won by a hair in 2018 and now he’s blowing away Democrats sends a message.”
Connect with us on our socials: