DeSantis signs controversial bills into law as Florida takes aim at ESG and transgender rights.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is expected to run for president in 2024, has been signing a series of conservative bills aimed at his base, including measures banning gender-transition care for minors, preventing children from attending “adult live performances” like drag shows, and restricting the use of preferred pronouns in schools. DeSantis has been holding public bill-signing ceremonies across the state, which allow him to promote his political message in settings that he carefully stage-manages as a veritable M.C. Such a platform gives DeSantis an advantage over his potential rivals for the presidency. However, some centrist Republicans say the way DeSantis has pushed Florida to the right on social issues is a potential weakness in a general election.