Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis honored with National Review Institute’s William F. Buckley Jr. Prize for Leadership in Political Thought

Press release from the Office of Governor Ron DeSantis

PALM BEACH, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis were honored as recipients of this year’s William F. Buckley Jr. Prize for Leadership in Political Thought by the National Review Institute (NRI). Established by NRI in commemoration of William F. Buckley’s life-long fidelity to conservative principles and the foundations of liberty, this annual award celebrates individuals whose work and leadership have significantly advanced the cause of free society. 

“The First Lady and I are honored to receive this year’s William F. Buckley Jr. Prize for Leadership in Political Thought,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Together, we have fought against COVID authoritarianism, left-wing indoctrination, and anti-free market policies to make Florida prosperous and free. Because of our hard work, Florida is now a global model for conservative policies and proof-positive that conservatism works. I want to thank the National Review Institute for the work they do to preserve William F. Buckley’s legacy.”

“The Governor and I are deeply grateful for this recognition and for all that the National Review Institute is doing to honor the enduring legacy of William F. Buckley Jr.,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “It is an honor and a privilege to serve as First Lady of the great state of Florida alongside the Governor. Under his leadership, Florida has become a beacon of freedom, and together, we will continue to defend the principles that keep our state strong and our nation free.”

“Throughout their years of public service, Governor and First Lady DeSantis have championed freedom and the principles of America’s founding,” said National Review CEO Chuck DeFeo. “Their leadership reflects a rare blend of philosophical depth and practical governance — one that has not only strengthened the lives of Floridians but set a national standard for effective, principled leadership. Their pursuit of common-sense reform shows how enduring conservative ideals can be translated into policies that serve every American. It is our distinct honor to present them with the Buckley Prize.”

Under Governor DeSantis’s leadership, Florida has become a national model for expanding opportunity, defending liberty, improving education, and reclaiming public institutions from left-wing pedagogy. First Lady Casey DeSantis has led groundbreaking initiatives supporting children, families, and mental health, strengthening the moral and civic fabric that sustains a free society. Together, they exemplify the Buckley ideal of principled leadership guided by intellect, integrity, and optimism.

Named for the founder of National Review and a defining voice of postwar conservatism, the William F. Buckley Jr. Prizes are awarded annually by the National Review Institute to honor individuals who embody Buckley’s legacy of advancing a free society through ideas, debate, and moral clarity. The Prize for Leadership in Political Thought specifically recognizes figures whose intellectual leadership helps define and renew the conservative, free‐society tradition.

The National Review Institute, founded in 1991 by William F. Buckley Jr., is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Bill Buckley and the mission of the National Review. NRI supports programs that educate and connect leaders committed to individual liberty, limited government, and the vitality of the American experiment.