While Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has courted conservative evangelical voters, his own faith has not played a prominent role in his public image.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made a name for himself as a conservative culture warrior, appealing to the religious right with policies such as a six-week abortion ban. However, unlike some other politicians, DeSantis has not prominently showcased his own faith. This became apparent during his inauguration, when it was revealed that his family did not own a Bible and had to scramble to acquire one for the ceremony. This article delves into DeSantis’ relationship with religion, exploring why his faith has not been a central part of his public identity and how he has navigated discussions about his beliefs as a presidential candidate.
A Surprising Revelation at the Inauguration
During his inauguration as Florida’s 46th governor, DeSantis stood alongside his wife, Casey, who held a King James Bible. However, it was later revealed that the campaign and inauguration staffers were caught off-guard when DeSantis informed them that his family did not own a Bible and that he did not place much importance on using one with historical significance. This revelation surprised many, as it is common for elected officials to be sworn in on religious texts that hold personal meaning for them.
A Last-Minute Purchase
To address the issue, DeSantis’ staff had to purchase a Bible on Amazon for $21.74 and have it shipped to the Republican Party of Florida headquarters just days before the inauguration. This last-minute purchase raised eyebrows among former aides, who found it unusual for a politician to give so little thought to the specific texts on which they want to be sworn in. The incident highlighted the lack of emphasis DeSantis placed on his own faith.
DeSantis’ Catholic Background
DeSantis was raised Catholic and has close family ties to the Catholic community in Ohio. His aunt is a nun, and his uncle is a priest. When his wife was diagnosed with cancer in 2021, DeSantis spoke about finding solace in prayer. Their wedding in 2009 was presided over by a Catholic priest at Walt Disney World. Despite these connections, DeSantis has not made his Catholic faith a central part of his public identity.
Religion as a Political Tool
While DeSantis has not prominently showcased his faith, he has had to discuss it more as a presidential candidate. He often responds to questions from voters and interviewers in an effort to connect with conservative religious voters, who are crucial to his chances of winning the Republican nomination. In interviews, DeSantis has described faith as the foundation of his life, but he tends to speak more broadly about faith than about specific practices or beliefs.
A Delicate Balancing Act
DeSantis’ approach to discussing his faith differs from that of President Joe Biden, who leans more heavily into his Catholicism. Experts suggest that DeSantis has invoked a generic Christian identity to appeal to evangelical voters, bolstered by endorsements from evangelical pastors and religious leaders. However, he has been careful not to delve into the specificities of his religious beliefs, which has led to the characterization of his faith as “mysterious.”
Mixing Religion and Politics
DeSantis has occasionally mixed religious rhetoric with his political message, with varying levels of success. During his re-election campaign, he used a modified version of Ephesians 6 in his speeches, replacing “the devil’s” with “the left’s,” injecting partisan politics into the passage. However, his attempt to use religion to push his political agenda has not always been well-received, as seen in the backlash to a TV ad that portrayed him as a savior sent from God.
Courting Religious Voters in Iowa
DeSantis’ ability to connect with religious voters is crucial, particularly in Iowa, where conservative religious GOP caucus voters hold significant influence. To erode the lead of front-runner Donald Trump, DeSantis must win over these voters. He has received the endorsement of influential Iowa evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats, who praised DeSantis for signing the six-week abortion ban. However, Trump still maintains a commanding lead in early states, including Iowa.
Conclusion:
While Governor Ron DeSantis has courted conservative evangelical voters, his own faith has not been a central part of his public image. Despite being raised Catholic and having family ties to the Catholic community, DeSantis has not prominently showcased his Catholic faith. Instead, he has invoked a generic Christian identity to appeal to conservative religious voters. As he navigates discussions about his beliefs as a presidential candidate, DeSantis must strike a delicate balance between religion and politics to connect with religious voters while also appealing to a broader electorate.
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