Floridians wait to see which version of Ron DeSantis returns from the presidential campaign trail

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — When Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis first took office in 2019, he surprised many with actions indicating he’d be a much more moderate leader than anticipated: He corrected a decades-old racial injustice, took the side of medical marijuana supporters over GOP leaders and hired a liberal Democrat for a key state position.

But then he set his eyes on the White House and veered far to the right as he rolled to a 2022 reelection blowout and entered the presidential race. His message was loud and relentless and focused on how he had beaten down the “woke mob” with policies that upset Black and LGBTQ+ Floridians. Not even Republicans dared stand up to his iron-fisted governing style for fear of being punished.

Now that he’s dropped out of the presidential race and is returning to govern Florida for another two-plus years, which DeSantis will Floridians see? It’s a question Tallahassee insiders are speculating about, but one that likely won’t be answered immediately.

What to know about New Hampshire’s primary

• AP Decision Notes: Here iswhat to expect in the New Hampshire primaries
• With Ron DeSantis ending his 2024 campaign, the Republican primary becomes the first one-on-one matchup between Donald Trump and Nikki Haley.
• Is a New Hampshire Democratic primary without the front-runner on the ballot and no delegates up for grabs still a New Hampshire primary? It depends on whom you ask.
• The opioid crisis is still raging in New Hampshire. For some voters, the issue is deeply personal.
• The New Hampshire attorney general’s office is investigating reports of an apparent robocall that used artificial intelligence to mimic President Joe Biden’s voice in an attempt to suppress votes.

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