DeSantis signs law allowing him to run for president while remaining governor

The changes amount to the third overhaul of state election laws in as many years and comes even as DeSantis and his allies say Florida’s elections are well run. Proponents contend the measures are nonetheless needed to make elections more secure.

Republican lawmakers argue that existing Florida election statutes already allow DeSantis to seek the presidency but that the new legislation was nonetheless needed as a clarification. The current law states that no official can qualify for another “state, district, county or municipal” public office if the term overlaps with their current position.