DeSantis to Keynote Heritage Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Event

Rob Bluey / March 21, 2023

During his first term in office, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis implemented what he calls “the Florida Blueprint” to propel his state to No. 1 in growth rate, tourism, new business formations, parental involvement in education, and public higher education.

Next month, the governor will share his successes at The Heritage Foundation’s Leadership Summit, a two-day conference taking place at the foundation’s 50th anniversary celebration. (The Daily Signal is the news outlet of The Heritage Foundation.)

Heritage announced Tuesday that DeSantis will deliver the Leadership Summit’s keynote address April 21. His remarks will follow the release of “Mandate for Leadership: A Conservative Promise,” a 600-page book produced by conservative policy experts for the next presidential administration.

“Conservatives are craving a bold and visionary leader who gets things done—and that’s exactly what Gov. Ron DeSantis has accomplished in Florida,” Heritage President Dr. Kevin Roberts said. “Heritage recognized Florida as the top state in America for parental rights and school choice, largely because of Gov. DeSantis’ leadership. He’s unafraid to take on woke and powerful corporate interests while putting the values of everyday Floridians first and foremost.”

Heritage’s Leadership Summit will take place over two days, beginning April 20, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Heritage’s 50th anniversary celebration will also include an event at George Washington’s Mount Vernon featuring Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and an evening gala with a keynote address from Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

The organization plans to announce additional speakers, including members of Congress and leading conservatives, in the coming days and weeks.

Heritage regularly welcomes political leaders to address its supporters. Former President Donald Trump spoke at a Heritage event last April and former Vice President Mike Pence appeared at Heritage in July.

DeSantis is no stranger to Heritage. He worked closely with the policy organization while in Congress, and as governor has implemented policies championed by Heritage. Last year, he delivered remarks at the launch of Heritage’s Education Freedom Report Card.

Heritage ranked Florida as the top state in America for education freedom, using metrics for school choice, transparency, regulatory freedom, and spending.

“Florida does exceptionally well in allowing parents to choose among private, charter, and district schools,” Lindsey Burke, director of Heritage’s Center for Education Policy, said in September. “If you’re looking for a state that supports families when it comes to directing the education of their children while keeping red tape and spending low, look no further than Florida.”

DeSantis was first elected governor of Florida in 2018 and reelected by an impressive 20-point margin in 2022, winning in 62 of the state’s 67 counties. He won independents by 18%, women by 9%, and captured 60% of Hispanic voters, while also flipping Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade County.

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