Ill Make Changes as FLs Next Senator

Tan Moms run for a U.S. Senate seat is due, in no small part, to some of Ron DeSantis policies -- she tells us some of Floridas 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 shes openly opposing the party line on several issues ... particularly in Florida.

Patricia says shes just always been a Republican, but doesnt think her views about certain topics require her to change parties.

She says shes 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 shes garnered a strong connection to the LGBTQ+ community during her life makeover and wants to use that to make a change in D.C.