The key facts

  • DeSantis compared the election results to 'the political equivalent of a meteor strike'
  • He cited the campaigns' focus on transgender issues instead of the economy and AI, as well as the vote against releasing the Epstein files, as reasons for the defeat
  • DeSantis believes the Democrats did not receive a mandate for their policies

Assessment of the election results

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called the Republican Party's heavy losses in the US midterm elections 'close to an extinction-level event' for the party, comparing the results to 'the political equivalent of a meteor strike' across the country. Speaking at a press conference in Tallahassee, he nevertheless noted the Republicans' success in maintaining control of Florida. This was reported by Politico, whose account is cited by the agency Anadolu.

Criticism of the party's strategy

According to DeSantis, the Democrats' victories reflect voters' dissatisfaction with Republicans in Washington, not support for liberal policies. He criticized the party's campaigns for focusing on transgender issues instead of economic problems, employment, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence. 'They were literally fighting yesterday's battle,' the governor said, adding that the Democrats moved ahead by discussing AI regulation and data center development.

Grievances against members of Congress

DeSantis also placed part of the blame on Republican lawmakers who voted against the release of files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 'That was a bad vote,' he said, noting that former Attorney General Pam Bondi had stated that a significant volume of materials on the Epstein case existed. He also criticized Congress for failing to ban lawmakers from trading stocks, calling such a ban 'a breath of fresh air for everyone.' At the same time, DeSantis downplayed the role of immigration enforcement as a factor in the election results.

On the Democrats' mandate and plans for 2028

Despite the Democrats' success, DeSantis said the party had not received a mandate for its policies: 'The Democrats are unpopular.' Asked about his own political plans ahead of the 2028 presidential election, the governor, whose term is limited, declined to answer in detail.