Opinion
Editor's Note: On Ron DeSantis and the new 'imperial governorship' in Florida
Here in Florida, executive power is more diffused. Or is it?
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gives a victory speech after defeating Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist during his election night watch party at the Tampa Convention Center, Nov. 8, 2022. Photo by Octavio Jones/Getty Images
Of all the states, it is New Jersey’s governor that traditionally has been seen as having the most clout. Columnist and author George Will once said “a New Jersey governor is an American caesar. The most powerful of all governors, he or she is the only state official elected statewide and appoints the other state officials,” including the state’s “attorney general, treasurer, comptroller, all judges and all county prosecutors.” The New York Times, more than two decades ago, described it as “the imperial governorship.” But that focused power is written into that state’s constitution. Here in Florida, executive power is more diffused. Or is it?
As independent journalist Ashira Morris writes in this issue’s preview of the upcoming regular legislative session, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis “is the real agenda-setter.” Here’s one example: Does anyone expect the Florida Senate to reinstate Andrew Warren as Hillsborough state attorney after DeSantis suspended him? He’s got more sway than previous Florida governors, including his immediate predecessor, Rick Scott, who also entertained his own bid for the White House not too long ago. But nobody’s writing several-thousand word thumbsuckers – excuse me, “think pieces” – on a future Scott presidency. (Of course, as Will also wrote, “Many more presidents have come from governorships than from Senate seats.”)
How did it get this way? According to Charles Zelden, a professor of history and political science at Nova Southeastern University in Broward County, DeSantis’ path to power is in part a happenstance of history. “He now has a supermajority (of fellow Republicans) in the Legislature and his party is generally following what he's doing,” he told me. The current legislative leadership “is willing to follow the governor. Now, whether it's because they agree with him or they're afraid of him, I don't know.”
It wasn’t always like this, to be sure. “Traditionally there were challenges of priorities and perspectives between the leadership in the Legislature, the Supreme Court” – DeSantis has appointed four of the current seven – “and the governor,” Zelden added. “That doesn't exist right now. They're all on the same page and they're all following the leadership of the governor. And that's why he has this power.”
Whether one agrees with or disparages his politics and policy, it’s good to be Ron DeSantis, the newest “American caesar.” It brings to mind a Sarah Vaughan song. To paraphrase: Whatever Ron wants, Ron gets … Don't you know you can't win?
Contact Jim Rosica at jrosica@cityandstatefl.com and follow him on Twitter: @JimRosicaFL.
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