TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - The Latest on the inauguration of Republican Ron DeSantis as Florida’s next governor (all times local):
Noon
Former Republican U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis has been sworn in as Florida’s new governor.
DeSantis took his oath Tuesday in front of the state’s historical Old Capitol. He then began a speech promising to build on the economic foundation Republican Gov. Rick Scott laid over the previous eight years.
DeSantis said Florida needs to remain a low-tax state and reduce regulations on businesses.
He also said the environment and education will be a priority as he begins his term.
Scott was in attendance at the ceremony and is scheduled to be sworn in as a U.S. senator later Tuesday.
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10:40 a.m.
Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis is giving God credit for ending slavery, helping the civil rights movement and winning the Cold War against communism.
He also said during a prayer breakfast Tuesday hours before his inauguration that faith will help mend political division.
DeSantis said the United States “never would have been able to eradicate slavery without God.”
DeSantis also lamented the nastiness of politics and said the more people look to God, “the easier it will be for us to solve problems.”
DeSantis said he decided not to have a traditional inaugural parade for two reasons: He feels uncomfortable with the attention, and he wants to use the time so he and his wife can baptize their 9-month-old son.
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3 a.m.
Former U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis will be sworn in as Florida’s new governor and Republicans will begin their third decade dominating the state’s Capitol.
DeSantis’ inauguration ceremony will begin Tuesday morning in front of Florida’s Old Capitol, where he’ll lay out his vision for the next four years.
DeSantis gave a preview of his priorities during pre-inaugural events Monday, saying that he’s going to act quickly on a number of issues once the pomp and circumstances of the inauguration are over.
That includes naming three new justices to the Supreme Court, announcing major environmental policy proposals and visiting the areas devastate by Hurricane Michael in October.
DeSantis is replacing Gov. Rick Scott, who will be sworn into the U.S. Senate on Tuesday.
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