Despite the issues, he used the event to promote his conservative credentials and education reforms.

He has been critical of President Donald Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and has pledged to declare a national emergency at the border and fire FBI Director Christopher Wray.

Trump and his campaign responded to DeSantis's announcement with a barrage of emails and posts on their social media platform.

In 2024, the Republican Party will select a candidate to run against Democrat Joe Biden in the presidential election.

Currently, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is planning to run for the Republican nomination.

DeSantis has completed the primary process and will face the general election.

He was able to clear a "resign-to-run" hurdle due to the Florida legislature passing a bill that ensures he can run for the presidency without leaving the governor's mansion.

DeSantis has a significant war chest, with over $88 million left over from his re-election campaign that can be transferred to his presidential campaign and about $30 million controlled by an independent committee.

President Trump's fundraising is lower, with only $18.8 million raised in the first quarter of 2023.

DeSantis is expected to hire Ms Generra Peck as his campaign manager, who led DeSantis's winning re-election campaign in 2022.

DeSantis is also hiring campaign staff in 18 states, according to reports from the Associated Press and the New York Times.