Ron DeSantis has governed Florida as a reactionary ideologue, not as a racist or a sexist. Unlike Trump, he isn’t an identity politics one-trick pony. So if he is the GOP nominee, who can beat him?
The Democrats would need someone who has plenty of energy and passion, a clear focus on stopping Orbanization, and strong debating chops. Having a nominee who can’t be blamed for any shortcomings of the Biden administration would also be helpful.
While Harris, if given a chance, might fit the bill, the first name that comes to my mind is Elizabeth Warren. While she was about the worst possible choice to challenge Trump, and she would have to refocus her campaign on democracy issues instead of inequality, she might well be a good option to take on DeSantis.