Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks after the primary election for the midterms during the "Keep Florida Free Tour" at Pepin's Hospitality Centre in Tampa, Florida, U.S., August 24, 2022.
But introduced as "America's governor," DeSantis' one-hour speech sounded like a presidential-style campaign address heavy on his Florida track record.
The X-factor remains former President Donald Trump, a fellow Republican who has strongly suggested he will launch another White House run.
A USA Today/Suffolk poll released on Wednesday showed DeSantis leads Trump 48%-40% among Florida Republicans in a 2024 presidential primary contest.
We're about getting Ron DeSantis to run and electing him so we beat Joe Biden and save our country."