TALLAHASSEE, FL – Governor Ron DeSantis is backing a new initiative aimed at increasing transparency and accountability among federal candidates and members of Congress, taking direct aim at what he calls “self-enrichment through insider access.” The move comes as public criticism mounts over congressional stock trading, including high-profile cases such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s well-timed financial gains in the market.
Other elected officials who have been accused from profiting from their time in Congress include New Jersey Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill (former Congresswoman) and Ilhan Omar, of Minnesota.
DeSantis announced his support for reforms that would require candidates for federal office appearing on Florida’s ballot to disclose whether they intend to trade individual stocks while in office. Incumbents seeking re-election would also be required to report any personal stock trading during their current term. Officials say the measure will hold candidates accountable to voters before they ever take office.
“Floridians deserve to know whether the people asking for their votes are going to Washington to serve the public or to serve themselves,” DeSantis said. “Transparency and integrity are not optional—they are the foundation of public service.”
The governor’s proposal builds upon efforts in Congress led by Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna, who has called for a complete ban on members of Congress and their spouses trading individual stocks. Luna has described the practice as “a grift that destroys public trust” and praised DeSantis for taking concrete action at the state level to reinforce accountability.
Supporters of the new disclosure requirement say it would close the gap between ethical expectations and federal enforcement. While existing laws such as the STOCK Act require members of Congress to report trades, critics argue those disclosures come too late and carry minimal penalties.
The plan would add a layer of transparency for Florida voters by making candidates declare their trading intentions on qualifying documents—making dishonesty or concealment grounds for legal or electoral consequences.
DeSantis’ initiative places Florida at the forefront of a growing national movement demanding greater financial transparency from elected officials, echoing the governor’s broader message of reform and accountability in government.
