Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla) is expected to sign a bill allowing him to run for president while still governing the sunshine state.
On Friday, the Florida House passed a bill in a 76-34 vote that would alter the "Resign to Run" law, making it easier for DeSantis to stay in office should he run in the 2024 election.
The bill's approval comes a few days after it passed in the state Senate by a vote of 28-12. It now heads to DeSantis's desk for his signature.
Under the current state's law, the governor would have to resign from his position to run for president-- or even vice president-- within ten days after qualifying to run for federal office.
NBC News reported that DeSantis supporters are encouraging him to make a presidential announcement as soon as May 11th as former President Trump's popularity among voters grow.
The governor is reportedly assembling a campaign team after several Republican operatives hinted that national firms have recently arrived.
"It feels like a team that is staffing up, not scaling down," one operative said, while another said, "Large campaigns require in-house planning, and this has been 'vendors: assemble' week in Tallahassee."
However, sources close to the governor suggested a May presidential announcement is premature. Nonetheless, DeSantis's recent moves indicate he is moving forward with a 2024 run.
Trump's campaign team accused DeSantis of violating the "Resign to Run" law, accusing him of not willing to give up a paycheck.
"Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to campaign full-time for president, during the Florida legislative session, while collecting a salary and having the taxpayers pick up the costs for his travel and security," Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said.
However, lawmakers in Florida seemingly support the idea of changing the law to favor DeSantis.
"If an individual who is Florida governor is running for president, I think he should be allowed to do it," Senate President Kathleen Passidomo said." I really do. That's a big honor and a privilege, so it is a good idea."
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