I feel deeply in my bones that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is running for president in 2024. He’s constantly subjecting his constituents to policies that line up with all of Republicans’ favorite culture war issues: abortion, immigration, children’s books, and trans kids who want to play sports or just continue to exist.
Another extremely obvious tell? His wife’s wardrobe lately. Casey DeSantis has been drenching herself in gold, bright American flag red, and so many capes—all topped off with the glow of weaponized white female grievance. At her husband’s second inauguration in January, Casey’s attempt to channel Jackie Kennedy was entirely unsubtle—if also fairly successful.
Casey is a former TV anchor and producer whom Politico has described as “unquestionably the most important person influencing DeSantis’ policy and political operations...She is the governor’s closest confidant and has more sway than any other adviser.” Some have even called her “co-governor” of the state, according to a profile published in Insider.
If the couple has bigger political dreams, Casey is definitely in on it. These are the wardrobe choices of someone auditioning to be first lady.
Take a look and tell me you don’t think he’s announcing in the next few months.
As presidential speculation really begins to ramp up amid Ron’s nationwide book tour—she chose a bright pink off-the-shoulder dress with a whole ass rose on it, plus white gloves, for her husband’s March state of the state address. She posted this at 11 a.m. on a Tuesday. Do you know other governors’ wives who would wear this to their husbands’ events, let alone daytime ones?
This look from Ron’s November Election Night party is what first tipped me off that he’s going to run for president. The ruched gold one-shoulder dress screams “I want to reference the Statue of Liberty, but without all that ‘welcoming to poor people’ stuff.”
This is what she wore to Ron’s inauguration in January. Ma’am, you’re in Tallahassee, I don’t think gloves are warranted. But she got the headlines she likely wanted, like this one from Insider: “Casey DeSantis appeared to channel Jackie Kennedy’s and Melania Trump’s style at Ron DeSantis’ second inauguration as Florida governor.”
For the inauguration party, she changed into this gold tea-length dress with matching pumps. It’s giving “cocktail party in the Rose Garden with my husband’s richest campaign donors.”
This neckline and color plus false eyelashes at a governor’s debate is giving “can we get this over with and move into the White House” energy.
Here she is with the actual first lady, Jill Biden. This is what I call Casey’s Kate Middleton look.
Wearing hot pink and stilettos to a football game while flanked by your kids? Huge “I’m applying to be America’s sexed-up mom” energy.
You’re trying to broadcast “political royalty” with these capes—we get it!
A wide belt over a sheath dress is straight out of the 2008 Michelle Obama playbook. And of course, it’s red.
Yes, this a different red cape-sleeve dress—check the inset waistband and lack of bows on the shoulders.
It’s certainly a choice to go for bold, wide stripes, an updo, and dark lipstick when you know you’re going to be standing next to the first lady (and she’s in a day dress).
If she had blonde hair, I’d swear this was Ivanka Trump.
Casey is not new to this aspirational first lady vibe—here’s what she wore the night Ron won the governor’s mansion for the first time in 2018. Five years! That’s how long she’s been dressing the part! I shudder to think what will happen to that marriage if Ron doesn’t win that dang primary and fulfill this woman’s destiny.
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Still here. Still without airbrushing. Still with teeth.