Florida first lady Casey DeSantis finds herself in the spotlight amid growing controversy surrounding allegations involving an organization linked to her.

The controversy, which stems from a payment made to an organization tied to her signature welfare assistance program, comes amid speculation she could launch a gubernatorial bid to succeed her outgoing husband, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).

But the allegations surrounding the Hope Florida Foundation, which is linked to her Hope Florida initiative, pose a threat to her future political ambitions.

“The Hope Florida hearings have to play a role into her decision to run,” said one Florida Republican operative. “It is her signature achievement that’s being attacked and called corrupt. This is a sign of things to come if she decides to enter the race. It has to give her pause.”

Casey DeSantis has long been a popular figure in the Sunshine State and beyond, playing a key role in her husband’s 2024 presidential run. Early polls indicate she could be a formidable primary opponent for gubernatorial candidate Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.).

A Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy survey released in March showed Casey DeSantis with a 53 percent approval rating, slightly higher than that of Donalds, who came in at 48 percent. A separate poll released in March conducted by Republican firm Fabrizio Lee and Associates found that 34 percent of likely Republican primary voters said they preferred Donalds for the role while 30 percent said they preferred the state’s first lady.

Prior to entering the political realm with her husband, Casey DeSantis worked as a producer and on-air host in Florida for the PGA Tour. She then worked as an anchor and reporter at two Florida television stations.

During her tenure as first lady, DeSantis has touted a number of initiatives, including the launch of the Florida Cancer Connect........

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