Republican Rep. Ron DeSantis announced he's running for Florida governor.
"With the support of the president, I'm in a position to exercise the leadership that can build on the great work Rick Scott has done," DeSantis said on Fox News on Friday morning.
DeSantis has the backing of President Trump, who tweeted out his support in December.
Congressman Ron DeSantis is a brilliant young leader, Yale and then Harvard Law, who would make a GREAT Governor of Florida. He loves our Country and is a true FIGHTER!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 22, 2017
DeSantis has been a vocal critic of Obamacare and sponsored legislation earlier this year to end funding for special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Recently, he authored a bill to expose past sexual harassment settlements in Congress and require lawmakers to pay back the Treasury.
Current Florida Gov. Rick Scott is reportedly mulling a run for Sen. Bill Nelson's seat. Recent polls show Scott edging out the incumbent Democrat.
Adam Putnam, Florida's current agriculture commissioner, is widely considered the Republican front-runner for governor in 2018.
DeSantis has served three terms in the U.S. House.
