Tan Mom's run for a U.S. Senate seat is due, in no small part, to some of Ron DeSantis' policies -- she tells us some of Florida's most controversial issues prompted her decision to run ... and to do it as a Republican.
The bronzed mother of 5, whose real name is Patricia Krentcil, joined us Wednesday on "TMZ Live," saying things like books being banned in FL and Gov. DeSantis' restrictions on Medicaid were enough to get her to step up to the plate.
We also talked to her about her choice to run as a Republican, even though she's openly opposing the party line on several issues ... particularly in Florida.
Patricia says she's just always been a Republican, but doesn't think her views about certain topics require her to change parties.
She says she's hoping she can break out of her "Tan Mom" brand, and wants her fellow conservatives to try to see things the way she does.
TMZ broke the story, Patricia filed paperwork Monday with the FEC to run in 2024 ... and says she's garnered a strong connection to the LGBTQ+ community during her life makeover and wants to use that to make a change in D.C.