DeSantis moves toward GOP presidential bid on his own terms

By STEVE PEOPLES
AP National Political Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Ron DeSantis has emerged as a political star early in the 2024 presidential election season even as he ignores many conventions of modern politics. The Florida governor often avoids gatherings of fellow Republican governors and party leaders. He is the only top-tier presidential prospect yet to court voters in Iowa, New Hampshire or South Carolina. And he is often at odds with the press. It is becoming increasingly clear that the Florida governor will manage his presidential aspirations in his own way and on his own timeline. DeSantis has quietly begun to expand his political coalition on his terms just as he releases a book, “The Courage to be Free,” which comes out Tuesday.