Does DeSantis Need to Resign to Run for President? Short Answer: No.

Hours after filing federal paperwork to announce he’s running for president — and shortly before he plans to live stream his campaign on Twitter — Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida signed the Elections Bill, which removed a potential obstruction.

Florida’s so-called resignation law could have forced Mr. DeSantis to resign after winning the presidency, although legal questions surrounding the rule have never been fully resolved.

But state legislators The language of the law is clear. late last month so that it no longer applies to elected officials running for president or vice president. Democrats accused Republicans in Tallahassee of favoring the governor, who, even though Republican majorities control both chambers, could do little to stop the move. Republicans said the old law was vague, and legal experts were divided on whether it would have applied to Mr. DeSantis.

The change to the resignation law was included in the broader Elections Bill. It also includes restrictions on how third-party groups can register voters.

Voting rights groups have criticized the bill. The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida said it would hurt voter registration organizations by “dramatically increasing fines, implementing shorter deadlines for voter registration forms, and who can help with voter registration drives.” may by banning it,” with particular effect on voter sign-up efforts. of color

Reflecting his now dual role as presidential candidate and governor, Mr. DeSantis spent the morning in Tallahassee hearing pleas for clemency from people convicted of crimes. At 6 p.m. Eastern, he is expected to take to Twitter and discuss his candidacy with Elon Musk, the platform’s billionaire owner.