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CPAC 2022 lineup features DeSantis, Scott, Rubio, Gaetz

Desantis with his hand out
Marta Lavandier
/
AP Photo
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a news conference, Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, in Miami.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and several other Florida GOP leaders are scheduled to speak at this year's Conservative Political Action Conference, which kicks off in Orlando on Thursday.

The 2022 CPAC agenda features a list of talks that attack the teaching of critical race theory in schools and cancel culture, along with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, such as lockdowns, vaccine requirements and mask mandates.

DeSantis has made headlines across the country for his opposition to what he considers government-infringement on people's liberties. He's widely considered a possible GOP presidential frontrunner in 2024.

Several of the sessions have titles blasting "woke culture," mainstream news outlets and social media platforms.

The event starts on Thursday and wraps up on Sunday.

Other statewide elected officials scheduled to speak at the nation's premiere conservative conference are Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott.

U.S. Rep Byron Donalds (R-Naples) and Congressman Matt Gaetz, who's under federal investigation for possible sex crimes, are also listed among the events featured speakers.

Former President Donald Trump is headlining the event with a speech on Saturday evening.

Valerie Crowder is a freelance journalist based in Tallahassee, Fl. She's the former ATC host/government reporter for WFSU News. Her reporting on local government and politics has received state and regional award recognition. She has also contributed stories to NPR newscasts.