Florida's first lady Casey DeSantis joined Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) on the campaign trail for the first time since doctors declared her cancer-free back in March as the Republican governor hit a new monthly fundraising record of nearly $10.5 million in April.
DeSantis’s reelection campaign raised $2.297 million, and Friends of Ron DeSantis, his political committee, brought in $8.156 million to total more than $113 million raised thus far this election cycle.
The DeSantis campaign shared the figures, noting it was the governor’s best fundraising month since forming the campaign committee last November.
In comparison, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist’s campaign announced a second straight month of raising $1 million in April.
DeSantis’s popularity has soared over the past two years since the governor pushed back against abortion, COVID-19 mandates, election fraud, and woke culture in education, which led to a face-off with the Walt Disney Company.
Blessed to be back with @GovRonDeSantis fighting to keep Florida free.
— Casey DeSantis (@FLCaseyDeSantis) May 10, 2022
God is great, and hope is alive!https://t.co/qif0tkgJEG pic.twitter.com/LfOqEhmRsq
Speaking at a Monday campaign event held at The Villages in Sumter County, Florida’s first lady expressed how thankful she was to be there with her husband following her final cancer radiation treatment on April 29.
"Governor, I don't know if this sounds very first lady-like, but damn it feels good to be here," Casey DeSantis said.
The first lady then encouraged those in attendance to never give up hope.
“Let me say this, no matter what you're going through in life, no matter how hard things seem like they are, no matter how hard it feels like you have to pick yourself off the ground, or you feel like your back is against the wall, fight!” DeSantis said. “Fight like hell!"
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"Never ever give up, never ever back down," she added. "I am the testament that God is great, that God is good, and hope is alive."
DeSantis also recalled a message her father has reminded her of often: "Ever since I was little, he would call me on the phone, and he'd say, ‘Casey, have faith and don’t let the bastards win.’”
In a statement to the Washington Examiner, DeSantis expressed her gratitude for people’s thoughts and prayers as she went through her cancer treatment.
“I am forever grateful for the prayers from good folks across the country who thought and prayed for me and my family’s well-being, thank you,” she said. “I pray my story has inspired people to stay strong and never give up hope.”
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She added that she looks forward to more campaign stops and “telling Florida’s story of success and why thousands of new residents are flocking to the Sunshine State in the name of freedom.”