Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his frustration on Wednesday with fellow Republicans in the Senate for squandering two years of unified federal government control without passing a single permanent immigration reform. He voiced his concerns during an interview with Laura Ingraham on Fox News following the electoral setback on Tuesday.
His criticisms came just hours after Democrats regained control of both chambers of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections, a result DeSantis described as akin to a "near extinction-level event" for the party.
"Why haven't we addressed immigration, closed the H-1B visa program? Why haven't we codified Trump's immigration executive orders? Why haven't we removed federal courts' jurisdiction over deportation cases? There were so many opportunities, yet they didn't even try, Laura," the governor stated on The Ingraham Angle.
DeSantis was particularly critical of the rationale he claims lawmakers used to justify their inaction: not having the 50 votes needed to advance.
"You claim you don't have 50 votes to pursue conservative goals. But you haven't demonstrated any willingness to pursue them even with 50 votes," he retorted.
The governor also highlighted the electoral consequences of this legislative paralysis. "Many of our voters stayed home because they were frustrated with the lack of productivity from Republicans in both the House and the Senate," he noted.
Electoral Impact and Future Concerns
According to projections cited by DeSantis, Democrats held 254 seats compared to 172 Republicans in the House, and 54 Democratic senators to 44 Republicans, with two races still undecided. He warned that Republicans might not regain control of the Senate until 2032.
Texas symbolized the most dramatic collapse. "Texas saw nearly a 20-point swing. Trump won by 13 points, yet they lost the governor's race by 7%," DeSantis remarked.
Democrat Gina Hinojosa became the state's first Latina governor and the first Democrat to hold the office since 1995, while James Talarico won the federal Senate seat for Texas, a feat not achieved by a Democrat since 1988.
In contrast, Florida resisted the wave with narrow margins. DeSantis credited this outcome to years of engaging with voters and a property tax reduction initiative that energized the electorate. "If we can't win in places like Texas, Kansas, or Iowa, we're not viable on a national level," he cautioned.
Judicial Appointments and Supreme Court Concerns
Beyond immigration policy, DeSantis urged Senate Republican Leader John Thune to confirm all conservative judicial nominees before January 3, 2027, when Democrats are expected to take control.
"I'd pitch tents in the Senate lobby. Make them work tirelessly, because they won't confirm any conservative judges after January 3 during President Trump's remaining term," he declared.
He also issued a direct warning to Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, suggesting they must decide whether to risk being replaced by someone akin to Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Following Wednesday's vote, Donald Trump became the fourth president since 1950 to lose both houses of Congress in a midterm election, following Eisenhower in 1954, Clinton in 1994, and George W. Bush in 2006.
Frequently Asked Questions on DeSantis and GOP Immigration Policy
What were Ron DeSantis' main criticisms regarding immigration reform?
Ron DeSantis criticized Republican senators for failing to pass permanent immigration reforms, such as closing the H-1B visa program and codifying Trump's executive orders on immigration.
How did the recent elections impact the Republican Party according to DeSantis?
DeSantis suggested that the Republican Party's lack of legislative action led to significant electoral losses, with Democrats regaining control of both congressional chambers.
What concerns did DeSantis express about future judicial appointments?
DeSantis urged the confirmation of conservative judicial nominees before Democrats assume control in 2027, warning of potential difficulties in confirming such judges thereafter.