DeSantis' Presidential Bid Gains Momentum Amidst Trump Comparisons and Media Backlash.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is set to formally announce his candidacy for the 2024 Republican presidential primary, with an interview on Fox News and a conversation with Elon Musk on Twitter. DeSantis is considered the closest challenger to former President Donald Trump, who leads him by over 30 points in most polling averages. DeSantis's hard-right policies, including attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and the teaching of race in schools, may count against him in a general election. Other potential Republican candidates include Nikki Haley, Tim Scott, Asa Hutchinson, and Vivek Ramaswamy.