Republican donors openly discussed the possibility of Florida’s first lady making a gubernational bid during a gathering last week in Palm Beach County, five people directly familiar with the donor event told NBC News.

“I would say this: I have heard donors have been urging her to run, and that while it’s not something she has wanted to do, they are causing her to at least stop and listen,” one source familiar with her thinking said.

Her husband, Gov. Ron DeSantis, cannot seek reelection in 2026 due to term limits. But last month, the governor said he would use his political committee, the Florida Freedom Fund, to back a candidate in the race.

Former Florida Attorney General Ashely Moody appeared to be Gov. DeSantis’ top pick for his successor, until he decided to appoint her to the Senate. Now, many are wondering if he could end up supporting a candidate who already lives in the Florida governor’s mansion.

Sources told NBC News the governor may see his wife as the best opponent to go up against other potential candidates, including Rep. Byron Donalds, a close Trump ally, and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

“She’s going to run. I think at this point most see that,” a person familiar with Casey DeSantis’ thinking said. “There is a lot to be worked out, but at this point the rumors are not just that, it’s feeling very real.”