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DeSantis urges states to push term limits, warns lobbyists and staff now shape Congress
Summary
Governor Ron DeSantis told term-limits supporters that changing the rules would alter incentives in Washington, arguing staff-written omnibus bills and incumbents'campaign advantages have entrenched careerism and that states using Article V could spur reform.
Governor Ron DeSantis told a gathering of term-limits supporters that states should press ahead with efforts to curb long tenures in Washington, saying a change in rules would alter lawmakers'incentives and blunt the influence of staff and lobbyists.
"Now, I think term limits is is doing what's right," DeSantis said, framing limits as a way to force elected officials to deliver results rather than seek longevity. He said the founders anticipated rotation in office and argued modern incentives have produced careerism in Congress.
DeSantis and the event's introducer highlighted recent steps and advocacy: the introducer said DeSantis signed a 2022 law to term-limit Florida school boards and in 2024 "signed our single subject application for a term limits convention," and noted the movement now has "over 150 pledge signers in Congress" and is "nearing 1,000 at the state legislative level." DeSantis described a cross-partisan outreach that includes former Democratic congressman David Trone and national media appearances.
The governor warned of the current legislative process: "It's being written by staff in a back room somewhere and jammed down everybody's throat," he said, arguing that many omnibus measures are drafted outside open member debate and amplified by lobbyist influence. He also noted structural barriers to electoral turnover, including campaign financing and incumbents' advantages, and cited an example figure of $34,000,000 in campaign balances.
On strategy, DeSantis discussed Article V of the U.S. Constitution as a possible route: he suggested that if enough states act through an Article V convention or related state actions, Congress would face pressure to respond. He acknowledged compromises and timing issues in any constitutional process and urged activists to pursue state-level action to build momentum.
The speech included a mix of appeals and practical outreach: DeSantis said he would continue to help state organizers and described related civic efforts, including moving historical statues and running an essay contest tied to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The event introducer praised DeSantis'early involvement, saying, "He worked harder than any other sponsor." DeSantis closed by asking attendees to press the issue at the state level and saying he looked forward to continued engagement.
The speech consisted of argument and exhortation rather than formal proposals recorded in this transcript; no motions or votes were taken at the event.
