Rep. Ron DeSantis officially enters race for Florida governor

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Rep. DeSantis announces candidacy for governor of Florida

Republican lawmaker speaks out exclusively on 'Fox & Friends' on his plans for the state.

Republican Rep. Ron DeSantis officially entered the race for Florida governor on Friday, just days after President Trump endorsed his potential candidacy.

DeSantis, R-Fla., said he would be filing paperwork to begin his campaign, joining a crowded field of gubernatorial hopefuls working to succeed current Republican Gov. Rick Scott.

“As somebody who is a military officer, Iraq veteran, a proven conservative, and then with the support of the president, I’m in a position to exercise the leadership that can build on the great work that Governor Rick Scott has done,” DeSantis said on “Fox & Friends” Friday. He said he would build on Scott’s work to “advance economic opportunity, reform education and drain the swamp in Tallahassee.”

Last month, Trump tweeted that DeSantis is a “brilliant young leader.”

“Congressman Ron DeSantis is a brilliant young leader, Yale and then Harvard Law, who would make a GREAT Governor of Florida. He loves our Country and is a true FIGHTER!” Trump tweeted.

DeSantis, who is 39, proposed a time limit last August on funding for special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian meddling and potential collusion with Trump campaign associates during the 2016 election.

“I’ve been someone who has a proven track record in leading in Congress,” DeSantis explained on “Fox & Friends,” pointing to his involvement in congressional investigations and other issues.

“If you work hard and you do good things, I think people tend to notice that,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis joins former congressman, now-Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, and Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.