As conservatives were digesting what can be described as a fairly disappointing election night, The New York Post is highlighting one bright spot for Republicans.
On Tuesday night, it seemed clear the election largely was not turning out as Republicans had hoped it would. Democrats appear to have been able to blunt their losses in the House.
Additionally, they flipped the crucial Pennsylvania seat, leaving control of the Senate unclear as of Wednesday morning.
Despite disappointments for conservatives, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R) massive victory in his reelection bid has given them some cause for optimism.
And Tuesday, the cover of The New York Post featured a picture of DeSantis celebrating his victory.
“Young GOP star DeSantis romps to victory in Florida,” a text read.
Additionally, it featured a large eight-letter play on the governor’s name as it declared, “DeFuture.”
Today's cover: Ron DeSantis shows he’s future of the GOP https://t.co/Ja9rO579r4 pic.twitter.com/9Px1KBH1MP
— New York Post (@nypost) November 9, 2022
The Post’s cover comes after DeSantis crushed Democrat Charlie Crist in his reelection bid by more than 19 points. RealClearPolitics’ average of polls before the election showed the governor a holding 12 point lead.
But elsewhere in the country, candidates who embraced former President Donald Trump’s claims about the 2020 election — or were hand-picked by him — fell short or underperformed Republicans who did not cling so closely to him.
And a lot of conservatives are pointing the finger at Trump for Republicans not experiencing a massive wave election.
Given the state of the economy, inflation, concerns about crime, President Joe Biden’s approval rating, and historical trends, it seemed Republicans were poised to have a really good night.
Prominent election denier Doug Mastriano lost his Pennsylvania gubernatorial bid, and Mehmet Oz (R) — who was endorsed by Trump despite concerns about his conservative credentials — lost to the state’s lieutenant governor John Fetterman.
Additionally, in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, NBC News projected Republicans might only win a single-digit majority in the House.
It also seems there is a fairly decent chance that despite all the headwinds facing Democrats the Senate could stay at a 50-50 split.
Additionally, it appears Georgia’s Senate race is going to a run-off between Sen. Raphael Warnock (D) and Herschel Walker (R). While that race is likely going to a run-off, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) — who faced a Trump-backed primary challenger — handily won his reelection bid.
When you look at the blowout in Florida, compared to disappointing results in races with Trumpier candidates, it is hard to not view DeSantis as a potentially strong 2024 contender and future leader of the party.