TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – After Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that his wife, Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis has breast cancer, Republican and Democratic leaders put partisanship aside during an outpouring of support for Mrs. DeSantis on social media.
DeSantis, 41, is the mother of the couple’s three children, the youngest of whom was born after the governor took office in January 2019.
"As she faces the most difficult test of her life, she will ... not only have my unwavering support but the support of our entire family, as well as the prayers and well wishes from Floridians across our state. Casey is a true fighter, and she will never, never, never give up,” the Republican governor said in a statement.
Republican allies and Democratic rivals of the governor alike came together to wish Casey DeSantis and her family well.
.@FLCaseyDeSantis you are in our prayers and we are in your corner.
— AG Ashley Moody (@AGAshleyMoody) October 4, 2021
We know with your strength and spirit you will win this fight. Florida loves you and the entire First Family.https://t.co/uAYoIAdVEi
.@FLCaseyDeSantis As a #breastcancer survivor also diagnosed at 41 and a 14 year survivor, I’m wishing you the strength you need to fight and win this battle. The breast cancer survivor sisterhood knows no party. Please reach out if I can help in any way. https://t.co/GKb6oFLRbS
— Debbie Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) October 4, 2021
The leading Democrats hoping to challenge Ron DeSantis, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, also tweeted their support.
Praying for the First Lady and her family. Here’s to a successful treatment and a speedy recovery. Almost every family has been touched in some way by cancer, and our hearts are with you in this fight. God bless.
— Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) October 4, 2021
Our hearts are with Florida's First Lady Casey DeSantis and her family. We are all praying for you! 💜🙏
— Nikki Fried (@NikkiFried) October 4, 2021
Likewise, House Speaker Chris Sprowls and Senate President Wilton Simpson, both Republicans, expressed their prayers for Mrs. DeSantis, along with Rep. Kat Cammack and Sen. Rick Scott.
The prayers of the entire Senate family are with our wonderful First Lady Casey DeSantis, Governor DeSantis and their entire family as they face this serious health challenge. pic.twitter.com/V7fbvFen22
— Wilton Simpson (@WiltonSimpson) October 4, 2021
Shannon and I join in with the Members of the Florida House in prayer for the full and fast healing of Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis. pic.twitter.com/AIvbCkzV7D
— Chris Sprowls (@ChrisSprowls) October 4, 2021
Sending well wishes and prayers to my dear friend Casey DeSantis after learning this news. Please join me and Floridians across the state in lifting her up and supporting the DeSantis family during this difficult time.https://t.co/JH5FemhxkK
— Congresswoman Kat Cammack (@RepKatCammack) October 4, 2021
Our hearts and thoughts are with @FLCaseyDeSantis. Ann and I pray that the Lord grants Casey, @GovRonDeSantis and their family strength in this fight. Florida stands with you! https://t.co/zdfrWeBelP
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 4, 2021
Casey DeSantis has played an active role in her husband’s administration, advocating for people with mental health issues. She often appears with him, children in tow, at bill signings and other official events.