By Alexandra Ulmer

(Reuters] – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis launched a new front this week in the culture warfare, facing Walt Walton. Walton is his biggest employer and one of his most influential lobbyists. Disney (NYSE:) Co.

DeSantis does this to strengthen his conservative credentials in preparation for a run for the Republican nomination in 2024. He also runs the risk of falling prey to a large, powerful and well-financed corporation which helped Orlando attract 76 millions visitors in 2019, ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the request of the governor, the Republican-led legislature approved this week a bill that would strip Walt Disney Co’s status as a self-governing entity.

This was in response to the opposition of a new law by the state that limits discussion on LGBTQ issues at schools. Critics called the bill the “don’t say gay” bill, calling it racist. DeSantis however stated that it was necessary to protect children and parents.

DeSantis is 43 and has played a leading role in a number of partisan conflicts that are taking place throughout the country.

He supported COVID-19 and called Florida a “citadel for freedom” during the pandemic. The president called for an election police force of first-of its kind to investigate electoral crimes. Last week, the law was passed banning abortions after 15-weeks gestation.

The rising profile of the ex-federal prosecutor has led to speculations that he may also be considering a bid for the White House.

He could be up against Trump who, at the time, endorsed DeSantis in his campaign for Florida governorship. Trump lost his 2020 re-election bid and has indicated repeatedly that he would like to run for the presidency.

DeSantis is a strong supporter of Trump, but would bring a new face to the Republican Party and a less inflaming style.

“DeSantis has the potential to be the middle road.” DeSantis, even if Trump quit politics today, would win the 2024 primary,” stated Dan Eberhart, prominent Republican donor who is also the CEO at Canary, LLC, an oilfield services company.

However, the spat between DeSantis and Disney has risks both for centrist voters as well as corporations.

DeSantis will likely sign the bill to eliminate the special tax district that was created in 1967 and allows Disney to manage the approximately 25,000 acres of Orlando where the Walt Disney World resort complex is situated.

Although the financial consequences of this legislation for Disney are not yet clear, it could be a significant blow to its decades-old autonomy at the sprawling Orlando parks. DeSantis may also be involved in a lengthy legal battle with Disney.

Eberhart suggested that Democrats could view the Disney measure to be “anti-economy” in Orlando. He added that DeSantis was “in danger of playing too hard on Disney.”

Nick Iarossi is a Tallahassee lobbyist representing business interests who said that the Disney move had “raised eyebrows” in Florida.

“Companies have been calling me to ask if they can weigh in on these issues. Iarossi stated that these companies will soon reevaluate how or whether they participate in legislative matters in Florida. “There will be adverse consequences.”

Democrats across the country are targeting DeSantis because of his views on Disney and LGBTQ.

Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, stated Tuesday that punishing companies for speaking against hate was a hallmark of an authoritarian government.

Christina Pushaw (the spokesperson for the governor) did not reply to our request.

She stated that Disney was abandoning its family-friendly brand in order to support the Florida law banning classroom instruction regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.

Twitter: “Go to bed, get up,”

DeSantis maintained his resolve in an email campaign to supporters, on Wednesday.

The email was published by several media outlets. It stated that Disney wanted to pick a fight and the incorrect guy. Now is the right time to give power back to Floridians, and not the pockets of smart executives.