Growing up in a blue-collar setting, Ron DeSantis used both his athletic prowess and his keen intellectual talent to the best of his ability, guiding him to success in his academic, military, and political endeavors. At 42, he’s the youngest governor in the U.S. of the third-most-populous state, and he’s seen by many as a serious candidate for the presidency in 2024.

On initial impression, DeSantis may appear to have arisen from near political obscurity to become one of the nation’s most well-known governors thanks to an endorsement from Donald Trump back during his 2018 campaign. While there is indeed truth to that, DeSantis was well on his way up the political ladder before his run for Florida governor and subsequent meteoric rise. You might even say DeSantis was born to lead.

His résumé is impressive — in fact, it would be for someone twice his age. He’s an accomplished athlete, beginning with playing a significant role in leading his team to the Little League World Series back in 1991. With eyes on a possible professional baseball career but also recognizing his signifiant intellectual capabilities, DeSantis attended Yale University, where he played baseball and majored in history with a 3.75 GPA. During his senior year, he was voted team captain, leading the team with a .336 batting average.

After his desire to make it to the Majors didn’t work out, DeSantis furthered his academic acumen by working for a degree from Harvard Law School, after which he served in the U.S. Navy as a JAG (Judge Advocate General) officer. His commanding officer during his time in the Navy reserves, Daniel Bean, said of DeSantis’s abilities: “I think he has a photographic memory. He is amazing with his ability to recall things and be accurate with citations.” This observation has been made by many who know and have worked with him, and it’s a skill that he has repeatedly displayed when conducting press conferences throughout the COVID pandemic.

Speaking of press conferences, DeSantis’s willingness and keen ability to stand up to and challenge the press over misinformation and disinformation is what has so many comparing him to Trump. Like the former president, DeSantis appears to relish correcting the media with his impressive ability to recall data and facts, while also exposing Leftmedia spin. He has demonstrated this repeatedly when the Leftmedia has attacked his impressive record in handling the pandemic.

Similarly, DeSantis is unashamedly proud to be an American, something that comes through strongest in his relentless defense of Liberty. DeSantis has repeatedly stood against the Democrats’ efforts to trample his constituents’ constitutional rights. DeSantis resisted lockdowns and mask mandates. He successfully sued the CDC over its COVID restrictions against the cruise line industry.

Recognizing the anti-American indoctrination and racism inherent in Critical Race Theory, DeSantis promoted and signed legislation banning its teaching in Florida schools. “No child,” he declared, “should be classified as a ‘victim’ or ‘oppressor’ based on their race or ethnicity.”

So, will DeSantis run for president in 2024? Thus far, he has referred to such speculations as “purely manufactured.” He recently contended: “I just do my job and we work hard. … I hear all this stuff and honestly it’s nonsense.” Up for reelection in 2022, DeSantis knows better than to look past his immediate goal, as any admission on his part that he indeed is looking at a run for the White House in 2024 will be an opening for his opponents to suggest that his focus is not Florida but Washington.

Either way, retaking the governor’s mansion is a big priority for Florida Democrats, because they hate everything DeSantis stands for and they want to derail his political future.

Furthermore, there’s the looming question of whether Trump will run again. If so, most consider him a shoo-in for the party nomination. And popular as he is, DeSantis would likely avoid going head-to-head against Trump. Of course, 2024 is still three years away, and no matter how much political pundits love to prognosticate, much can and will happen before then.

What we do know is that DeSantis is proving himself to be an impressive leader who is deeply committed to defending Liberty. And the Sunshine State is blessed to have him at the helm during this turbulent time in America’s history.