Ron DeSantis to launch presidential bid as Republican primary begins in earnest

Florida governor, the closest challenger to Trump, is due to launch campaign in conversation with Elon Musk on Twitter

The 2024 Republican presidential primary is due to begin in earnest on Wednesday night with the formal entry of Ron DeSantis, the hard-right Florida governor who is the closest challenger to Donald Trump.

DeSantis is due to announce his long-trailed candidacy in conversation with Elon Musk on Twitter, followed by an interview on Fox News. The governor is reportedly set to hit the campaign trail after the Memorial Day weekend, with visits to early voting states.