Florida lawmakers have ended their investigation into the Hope Florida Foundation, linked to First Lady Casey DeSantis’s welfare initiative, but the political fallout continues as scrutiny intensifies ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial race. The inquiry, led by GOP Rep. Alex Andrade, focused on whether a $10 million donation to the foundation came from a Medicaid fraud settlement with Centene Corp.
Governor Ron DeSantis has dismissed the probe as a smear campaign, backed by critics within his own party. The state’s Agency for Health Care Administration stated the donation was not Medicaid-related and was “neither illegal or illicit.” However, a leaked draft settlement suggests otherwise, and Andrade says a federal investigation may be warranted.
The investigation’s end has not quieted speculation about Casey DeSantis’s potential gubernatorial run, especially as Rep. Byron Donalds—backed by Trump—has already launched his bid. Casey continues to promote Hope Florida, calling it a “philosophy” to improve lives.
House Speaker Daniel Perez, a DeSantis critic, said more document requests are pending and “all options are still on the table.”
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