‘Florida is where woke goes to die!’ Ron DeSantis calls his state ‘the land of liberty and sanity when the world lost its mind’ as he is sworn in as Governor for second time with wife Casey – in what could be a 2024 dress rehearsal
- Ron DeSantis said at his second inauguration Florida is where ‘woke goes to die’
- He claimed credit for families wanting to move to Florida for the sake of ‘sanity’
- The governor delivered a 20-minute speech after taking the oath of office
- All eyes turned to Florida Tuesday looking for signs of higher political ambition
Ron DeSantis said Florida is where ‘woke goes to die’ as he claimed credit for fostering a state where families want to move for the sake of ‘sanity’ in a speech following his swearing-in for a second term as governor.
DeSantis claimed Florida is the ‘No. 1’ state as all eyes turned to the Sunshine State to watch for signs of higher political aspirations as speculation swirls he could run in the presidential primary against Donald Trump in 2024.
The Florida governor promised in an approximately 20-minute speech to enact more ‘family friendly’ policies to defend children from people who want to ‘rob them of their innocence.’
Speaking outside the Florida Historic Capitol with a backdrop of ‘The Free State of Florida’ banners and iconic red and white striped window awnings, he also vowed to make sure Florida is the best state to raise a family.
‘We reject this woke ideology. We seek normalcy, not philosophical lunacy,’ DeSantis insisted. ‘We will not surrender to the woke mob. Florida is where woke goes to die.’
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis arrives at his swearing-in ceremony at inauguration on Tuesday with wife and Florida first lady Casey DeSantis and their three children Madison, Mason and Mamie
During a 20-minute speech, DeSantis said Florida is where ‘woke goes to die’ and claimed credit for fostering a state where families want to move for the sake of ‘sanity’
Throughout his remarks, DeSantis honored law enforcement, blue collar workers, teachers, farmers, senior citizens and the families who flocked to Florida over his first term as governor.
A spokesperson for DeSantis told DailyMail.com that the governor did not have prepared remarks for the inauguration, and explained that he likes to speak authentically.
For the swearing-in, Desantis was joined by his wife and Florida’s first lady Casey DeSantis, who donned a mint-green dress with a cape and white gloves, and their three children, Madison, Mason and Mamie.
Seating quickly filled up, but hundreds of attendees found places past the security check-point and within the perimeter of the event to stand, whether on risers or in the street.
DeSantis was honored with a cannon salute and a jet flyover following him taking his oath of office.
DeSantis took his oath of office Tuesday, December 3 for his second term as Florida governor, while speculation swirls of higher ambitions for federal office
From left: Mason, Casey, Madison and Ron DeSantis attend the governor’s second inauguration
Security was also heightened for the event, with drones hovering over the old Capitol building and snipers staked out on the nearby roofs.
Those who also took their oath of office at the inauguration on Tuesday are Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Commissioner of Agriculture-Elect Wilton Simpson.
Moody had an emotional moment as she was sworn in by her father, who is a member of the Florida Supreme Court.
Florida’s inauguration festivities kicked off on Monday evening with an intimate cocktail hour and Michelin-star dinner by candlelight. An estimated 250 to 300 people attended the dinner, during which DeSantis made brief remarks before guests were served the famous spicy rigatoni vodka from Carbone.
DeSantis’ swearing-in was the only public event for inauguration week – while all other activities are restrained to invite-only.
On Tuesday afternoon, Florida first lady Casey DeSanits will hold ‘A Toast to One Million Mamas’, which is meant to recognize the 1.1 million women she mobilized to support her husband’s reelection.
The two-day bash, where the overarching theme will reflect DeSantis’ campaign motto ‘The Free State of Florida’, will end with the inaugural ball Tuesday night.
DeSantis’ COVID-19 response, including balking at the Biden administration’s lockdowns, mask and vaccine mandates, launched him into the national spotlight and earned the Florida governor growing popularity among Republicans across the country.
He is being floated as a potential frontrunner for the 2024 presidential election and several polls show he is the favorite among Republicans to become their nominee.
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