Ronald Dion DeSantis, born September 14, 1978, is an American politician, lawyer, and former U.S. Navy officer. He has served as the 46th governor of Florida since 2019. Before becoming governor, he was a U.S. Representative from Florida’s 6th congressional district (2013–2018). DeSantis was a prominent figure in the Republican Party and was a candidate for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, but he later withdrew and endorsed Donald Trump.
During his time in office, DeSantis gained national recognition for his COVID-19 policies, conservative stance on education, immigration, and economic policies, and his ongoing dispute with Disney. His military service includes a deployment to Iraq as a legal advisor to SEAL Team One.
In this article, we will explore Ron DeSantis’ biography, age, height, weight, family, education, political career, net worth, and lesser-known facts.
Ron DeSantis Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ronald Dion DeSantis |
| Profession | Politician, Lawyer, Former Navy Officer |
| Hometown | Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | September 14, 1978 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 46 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Education | Yale University (BA), Harvard University (JD) |
| Military Service | U.S. Navy (2004–2019) |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Current Position | Governor of Florida (2019–Present) |
| Past Positions | U.S. Representative (2013–2018) |
| Spouse | Casey DeSantis (m. 2009) |
| Children | 3 |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated at $1.5 million |
Early Life and Education
Ron DeSantis was born in Jacksonville, Florida, to Karen and Ronald Daniel DeSantis. His mother was a nurse, and his father installed Nielsen TV-rating boxes. His family background is Italian-American, with all of his great-grandparents having immigrated from Southern Italy.
DeSantis grew up in Dunedin, Florida, where he attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School and Dunedin High School. As a child, he was part of the Dunedin National team that played in the 1991 Little League World Series.
Higher Education
- Yale University (1997–2001) – DeSantis earned a B.A. in History with honors. He was captain of Yale’s baseball team and worked various jobs, including as an electrician’s assistant.
- Harvard Law School (2002–2005) – He earned his Juris Doctor (JD) with honors and was the business manager for the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy.
Military Career (2004–2019)
While attending Harvard Law School, DeSantis joined the U.S. Navy in 2004 as part of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG).
- 2005 – He completed Naval Justice School and was assigned as a prosecutor at Naval Station Mayport, Florida.
- 2006 – Served at Guantanamo Bay detention camp as a legal advisor on detainee treatment.
- 2007–2008 – Deployed to Iraq as a legal advisor to SEAL Team One during the Iraq War.
- 2008–2010 – Appointed as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in Florida while serving in the Navy Reserve.
- 2019 – Retired from the Navy Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Military Awards and Honors
- Bronze Star Medal
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Iraq Campaign Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Political Career
U.S. House of Representatives (2013–2018)
Ron DeSantis was elected to Congress in 2012 and served three terms as U.S. Representative for Florida’s 6th District. He was a founding member of the Freedom Caucus and aligned with Donald Trump’s policies.
- Advocated for tax cuts and term limits
- Opposed Obamacare and climate change regulations
- Criticized FBI’s handling of investigations into Trump
- Sponsored bills to reform higher education and healthcare
Governor of Florida (2019–Present)
2018 Election
DeSantis won the 2018 Florida gubernatorial election against Democrat Andrew Gillum by a 0.4% margin. His campaign focused on low taxes, strong immigration laws, and conservative education policies.
COVID-19 Response (2020–2021)
- Opposed lockdowns and vaccine mandates
- Kept Florida open for business
- Clashed with the Biden administration over COVID-19 policies
2022 Re-election
- Defeated Democrat Charlie Crist by 19.4%, securing the largest margin in Florida governor history since 1982.
- Carried Miami-Dade County for the first time in 20 years.
2024 Presidential Campaign and Withdrawal
DeSantis launched his campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination on May 24, 2023. However, after underperforming in the early primaries, he suspended his campaign on January 21, 2024, and endorsed Donald Trump.
Family and Personal Life
Marriage and Children
Ron DeSantis is married to Casey DeSantis (née Black), a former TV host and Emmy Award-winning journalist. They met at a golf course and married in 2009 at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
The couple has three children:
- Madison DeSantis
- Mason DeSantis
- Mamie DeSantis
Religion
DeSantis is a practicing Catholic.
Net Worth and Income Sources
As of 2025, Ron DeSantis’ estimated net worth is $1.5 million. His financial growth accelerated after he signed a $1.25 million book deal in 2022.
| Net Worth (2025) | $1.5 Million |
|---|---|
| Primary Income Source | Salary as Governor |
| Additional Income | Book Deal, Investments |
Lesser-Known Facts About Ron DeSantis
- He was a baseball player at Yale University and had the team’s best batting average in his senior year.
- His wedding was held at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, despite later having a major political feud with Disney.
- He served as a legal advisor to Navy SEALs during the Iraq War.
- He once lived in a condo owned by a political donor, Kent Stermon.
- His book deal made him a millionaire by the end of 2022.
- He was one of Trump’s closest allies in Congress before running against him in 2024.
- His net worth grew from $300,000 in 2021 to over $1.5 million in 2025.
Conclusion
Ron DeSantis is a key figure in the Republican Party, known for his strong conservative stance on immigration, education, and economic policies. Although he lost the 2024 Republican primary, he remains a significant political force. His future in politics remains uncertain, but he continues to be a major player in American conservatism.
Disclaimer
“This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.”
