President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the Florida Republican as a potential candidate for governor in the 2026 race. In a post shared on social media, Trump praised Donalds as a “Highly Respected Congressman” and emphasized that he would make a “truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida.” Trump added, “Should he decide to run, he will have my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN!”
This has the potential to shake up Florida’s political landscape, as the GOP gears up for a competitive contest to replace DeSantis in just under two years.
Byron Donalds, a former state lawmaker and current representative for Florida’s 19th Congressional District, has been a prominent figure in Florida and on the national stage. Having served in Congress for four years, Donalds has built a reputation as a conservative voice and a staunch ally of President Trump. His ties to Trump have been longstanding, with Donalds being one of the president’s most vocal supporters and a top surrogate.
For nearly a year, Donalds has been hinting at a potential gubernatorial bid, with sources confirming that he has been actively speaking to donors and political insiders about his plans. In an interview last spring, he told Fox News Digital, “I’ve thought about it. I don’t really rule anything out,” when asked about running for governor. In recent weeks, Donalds has been taking more concrete steps towards a run, including hiring prominent Republican pollster Tony Fabrizio, who has worked on Trump’s presidential campaigns.
Trump’s endorsement is a major boost for Donalds, especially in a state where Trump’s influence over the Republican base only seems to be growing, as he’s won the state by more points every time he’s run for president. The endorsement could make it more difficult for other Republican contenders to challenge Donalds in the primary. In fact, political insiders have suggested that Trump’s support for Donalds could discourage other potential candidates from running altogether.
Wilton Simpson, who is the current state Agriculture Commissioner, has been mulling a run for governor, but Trump’s backing of Donalds could effectively clear the path for the congressman. Additionally, speculation around Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis potentially running for governor has garnered attention. There’s also been some buzz around former Rep. Matt Gaetz, although his campaign prospects have been quieter following his failed bid for Attorney General.
The eventual Republican nominee will likely be the front-runner in the 2026 gubernatorial election, as Florida has become a reliably red state in recent years.
Dan Eberhart, a prominent Republican donor and ally of Donalds, recently told Fox News that the congressman “would bring a fresh conservative vision for Florida’s future that will be hard to beat” if he decides to run. Eberhart added that Donalds’ leadership would be critical in continuing the state’s success while keeping it firmly in Republican hands.
Donalds, responding to Trump’s endorsement, took to social media, writing, “President Trump is Making America Great Again. I’m committed to working with him to Keep Florida Great. Announcement coming soon!”
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