Ron DeSantis

Ron DeSantis (born September 14, 1978) is an American politician who currently serves as the 46th Governor of Florida. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 2013 to 2018, representing parts of northeast and central Florida. A Republican, he defeated Democrat Andrew Gillum in the November 2018 gubernatorial election by less than half a percent margin.

Early life & education

DeSantis grew up in Dunedin, Florida where he attended Dunedin High School and graduated at 16 years old with honors. After high school graduation, he studied government at Yale University before transferring to Harvard Law School after his junior year; graduating cum laude in 2005 with a J.D.. During college DeSantis wrote for various conservative publications such as National Review Online and The Washington Times while interning with Representative Joe Scarborough during summer breaks from Harvard Law School.

Military service

In 2006 following law school graduation Ron DeSantis joined Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG), serving on active duty until 2010 when he left the military achieving rank lieutenant commander . His deployments included Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom which earned him several awards including two Navy Commendation Medals for meritorious services performed throughout his career there; one being awarded for leading daily operations within multi-national forces providing oversight into detainee operations on Camp Cropper near Baghdad International Airport .  
   In addition to combat tours overseas , Lieutenant Commander Desantis also worked closely upon returning home supporting counter terrorism efforts along US Homeland Security initiatives aboard Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Cuba ; earning further praise from superior officers via multiple performance reports noting successful completion or support over numerous national security projects that enabled substantial progress towards enhanced safety measures across both local communities surrounding base perimeters as well as abroad through increased intelligence sharing capabilities between international partners alike .                   
                                                                                 Political career                                                         In 2012 Ron ran unopposed as candidate against Clay County Commissioner Alan Kelso winning republican primary nomination – allowing him entry into U S Congress following general election later that same year defeating then incumbent Congressman John L Mica by approximately 8% points spread overall votes casted nationally amidst contentious race among voters due largely media attention drawn surrounding recent healthcare reform bill debates held prior ballots opened polls November 6 th , 2012 : securing seat 90 th congressional district encompassing Flagler Putnam Counties respectively bordering Jacksonville metropolitan area northward extending St Johns River waterway southward toward Daytona Beach / Volusia county line east coast Atlantic Ocean shoreline westwards spanning roughly 30 miles wide stretching 70 lengthwise down peninsula state florida altogether comprising total population estimated around 535 thousand inhabitants residing therein according census bureau estimates released preceding decade 2000 – 2010 period combined ; thus making it 22nd largest electoral territory out 435 districts allocated nationwide based upon last official tally conducted back decennial cycle 2011 …