In 2004 and 2005, eight hurricanes blew through Florida – including hurricane Katrina. Bush was widely praised for his handling of the storms, in contrast to his older brother, President George W. Bush, who was criticized for appearing behind the curve in the federal response along the Gulf Coast.

Brennan Linsley/AP
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush speaks during a voting rally for state Republican candidates, in Castle Rock, Colo., Oct. 29, 2014.