Former President Donald Trump has made his stance clear for the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race, offering strong support for Congressman Byron Donalds. This endorsement not only reshapes the political landscape in Florida but also has potential ramifications for the future of the Republican Party.
Trump took to Truth Social to express his wholehearted backing of Donalds, praising his personal qualities and leadership potential. "I've heard the highly respected Congressman Byron Donalds is contemplating a run for governor of Florida, a state I love and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024. I know Byron well, I've seen him tested at the highest and toughest levels, and he's a TOTAL WINNER! Byron has a great wife, Erika, and three beautiful children," Trump wrote.
In his message, Trump not only commended Donalds' political career but also outlined a series of commitments he believes the congressman would undertake as governor. "As governor, Byron would have a STRONG voice and work closely with me to advance our America First agenda. He will fight tirelessly to secure our borders, stop immigration crime, strengthen our military, protect our veterans, restore economic power, promote American energy DOMINANCE, and defend our ever-besieged Second Amendment," Trump added.
Trump ended his message with a direct call to Donalds. "Byron Donalds would be a truly great and powerful governor for Florida, and if he chooses to run, he will have my full and complete endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN!" he concluded.
Is Byron Donalds Preparing for the Electoral Battle?
Although he hasn't officially announced his candidacy, Byron Donalds is seriously considering a run. "President Trump is making America great again. I am committed to working with him to keep Florida great. I will make an announcement soon!" Donalds posted on X in response to Trump's public support.
The congressman, who has represented parts of Florida's 19th District in Congress for four years, previously acknowledged in an interview with Fox News Digital, "I’ve thought about it. I really don’t rule anything out."
Sources close to Donalds' political circle recently confirmed that he has been in discussions with donors and key Republican figures in Florida, suggesting that his candidacy is imminent. Additionally, he has hired the research firm of prominent pollster Tony Fabrizio, known for his work on Trump's 2016 and 2024 presidential campaigns.
Potential Rivals in the Republican Contest
The race to succeed current Governor Ron DeSantis, who is term-limited, promises to be fierce. While Trump’s endorsement gives Donalds a substantial advantage, other prominent Republicans may also enter the race:
- Wilton Simpson: Florida Agriculture Commissioner and former state Senate president, who has raised millions for his political committees.
- Casey DeSantis: The current governor’s wife, who has been mentioned in recent polls as a potential favorite in the contest.
- Matt Gaetz: Former Florida state representative, once considered by Trump for attorney general, though there have been no clear indications of his participation in the race in recent weeks.
According to Republican businessman and donor Dan Eberhart, Donalds could bring a "new conservative vision for Florida's future that will be hard to beat," highlighting his alignment with Trump's agenda.
The Influence of Trump's Endorsement in the Gubernatorial Race
Trump's support carries significant weight within Republican ranks, especially in a state like Florida, where he won resoundingly in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 elections. Trump’s endorsement of Donalds might deter other potential candidates, including Casey DeSantis and Wilton Simpson, from launching their campaigns.
"It's really great that people in Florida consider me as the next governor of the state. It's truly an honor. It's surreal to think about it because I'm 45, and my trajectory in politics has been really fruitful," Donalds expressed.
Once considered a battleground state, Florida has solidified as a Republican stronghold. The eventual winner of the party's primaries is expected to be the favorite for the governorship in 2026.
Insights on the Florida Governor Race
Who is Byron Donalds?
Byron Donalds is a congressman representing parts of Florida's 19th District, known for his alignment with Trump's agenda and potential candidacy for the Florida governorship in 2026.
Why is Trump's endorsement significant?
Trump's endorsement is influential within the Republican Party, particularly in Florida, where he has achieved significant electoral victories, potentially shaping the dynamics of the gubernatorial race.
What are Byron Donalds' potential commitments as governor?
As governor, Byron Donalds is expected to focus on securing borders, reducing immigration crime, strengthening the military, protecting veterans, boosting economic power, promoting energy dominance, and defending the Second Amendment.