Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to officially announce his candidacy for the 2024 presidential race next week, according to information obtained by The Post. This move is expected to set the stage for a highly anticipated rivalry with his former ally, ex-President Donald Trump.

After months of conjecture surrounding a potential White House bid, DeSantis, 44, is expected to submit the necessary documentation to the Federal Election Commission. Following this, a source from the Florida legislature told New York Post that an announcement event would be held in his hometown of Dunedin.

The proposed filing is set to coincide with a two-day gathering between DeSantis and his financial backers in Miami.

Attendees have been informed that they will be actively involved in the proceedings. An invitation obtained by Bloomberg News reads, "Following the briefing, the fun begins! All guests are encouraged to stay and work with the Team through the night of the 25th … Casual attire and jeans encouraged!"

Endorsements and Campaign Strategy

DeSantis' official announcement will be followed by a phased release of endorsements that have been kept on hold until his entry into the race, a source told New York Post.

The Never Back Down PAC, which supports DeSantis, has previously revealed that the Florida governor has received endorsements from numerous legislators in the early-voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire.

Representatives for DeSantis have yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter. However, it is clear that the governor's campaign is already in motion, with the Never Back Down PAC, led by former Trump administration official Ken Cuccinelli, actively raising funds, hiring staff in early voting states, and running TV ads supporting DeSantis.

CNN reported that DeSantis is responding to donors and supporters eager to see him enter the race and more directly challenge Trump.

DeSantis: Only Biden and I Can Win

According to The New York Times, DeSantis told donors and supporters during a call that there were only three credible candidates in the race – himself, President Joe Biden, and Trump. He asserted that only he and Biden had a chance of winning the general election.

DeSantis reportedly said that data from swing states was “not great for the former president and probably insurmountable because people aren’t going to change their view of him.”

DeSantis' Message to Iowa Caucus Voters

DeSantis has been busy tying up loose ends, signing numerous bills, meeting with donors, and securing endorsements to boost his launch in the past few weeks.

He spent a recent Saturday in Iowa where he said, “If we make 2024 a referendum on Joe Biden and his failures and we provide a positive alternative for the future of this country, Republicans will win across the board,” DeSantis told Iowa caucus voters in Sioux Center.

“If we do not do that, if we get distracted, if we focus on the election in the past or on other side issues, then I think the Democrats are going to beat us again, and I think it will be very difficult to recover from that defeat,” the Florida governor added.

Trump vs. DeSantis: A Brewing Rivalry

Trump, 76, has already criticized his younger competitor, coining the nickname "Ron DeSanctimonious" and highlighting DeSantis' previous allegiance to Team Trump. Trump, a Florida resident himself, had endorsed DeSantis during his initial run for governor in 2018.

However, the former president is now accusing DeSantis of disloyalty for considering a run against him. Despite this, DeSantis is positioning himself as a younger, more energetic alternative without the mounting legal issues that the former president is currently facing.

Current Polling and Legal Requirements

Despite DeSantis' efforts, Trump still holds a significant lead in the polls, with a 36-point advantage in the RealClearPolitics average of polls. However, the race is far from over, and DeSantis' official entry into the race could shake up the current standings.

As per federal election laws, DeSantis must announce his candidacy before he can begin soliciting contributions. With his official announcement expected next week, it seems that the 2024 presidential race is about to heat up.