Florida Governor Ron DeSantis remains a prominent figure in the political landscape. His recent actions, such as appointing Ashley Moody to succeed Senator Marco Rubio and calling for a special legislative session on immigration, have garnered attention, even earning praise from President-elect Trump. DeSantis's proactive approach to key national issues continues to raise his profile.

This high visibility could be beneficial for a potential 2028 presidential run, though he would likely face strong competition, particularly from Vice President-elect JD Vance. Republican strategist David Kochel advises DeSantis to continue choosing his battles strategically, as he did leading up to the 2024 election. Kochel suggests DeSantis maintain a similar approach to his previous campaign, focusing on engaging with key early voting states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.

While DeSantis will be finishing his second term as Florida governor in 2026, allowing him to fully focus on a potential presidential campaign, other Republican governors also harbor national aspirations. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, who cannot seek re-election due to state term limits, faces the challenge of maintaining a national presence after leaving office. Unlike DeSantis, Youngkin governs a politically divided state, which might present additional hurdles. Youngkin aims to support his party by backing candidates like Winsome Sears and Jason Miyares in upcoming elections and potentially assisting the Trump administration.

Former South Carolina Governor and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who ran against Trump in the 2024 primaries, faces a different set of circumstances. Currently out of office and not aligned with the Trump administration, Haley’s path to regaining prominence within the Republican party might be challenging. While she maintains a national platform through her radio show, the political landscape could shift significantly by 2028. Republican strategists acknowledge that while Vance may be an early frontrunner, the political climate is unpredictable, and maintaining some distance from the current administration might be a wise strategy for potential candidates.

Holding a statewide office offers a platform but also carries the risk of political baggage. Successfully navigating both the advantages and potential pitfalls of their current positions will be crucial for DeSantis, Youngkin, and Haley as they consider their future political ambitions.