President Donald Trump has endorsed Representative Byron Donalds for the state’s 2026 gubernatorial race.
The announcement, made Thursday on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, signals a significant boost for Donalds’ prospective campaign.
Trump wrote:
I am hearing that Highly Respected Congressman Byron Donalds is considering running for Governor of Florida, a State that I love, and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER! Byron has a great wife, Erika, and three beautiful sons. They are very proud of him! As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda. He will fight tirelessly to Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Vets, Restore our Economic Power, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.
Byron Donalds would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida and, should he decide to run, will have my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN!
Donalds responded to Trump’s endorsement on X, hinting that he plans to enter the race very soon.
“President Trump is Making America Great Again. I’m committed to working with him to Keep Florida Great. Announcement coming soon!” he wrote.
President Trump is Making America Great Again.
I’m committed to working with him to Keep Florida Great.
Announcement coming soon! pic.twitter.com/Bimj712vIL
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) February 21, 2025
The endorsement arrives amidst speculation about other potential candidates for the Republican nomination. Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis has been mentioned as a possible contender.
However, Governor Ron DeSantis recently stated during a Tuesday interview on Fox News’s The Ingraham Angle, “It’s not something that she’s seeking out.”
He added, “I think a lot of people are just concerned about the future of the state. But this is not anything new. People have been asking her to do this for a long time. But she’s not seeking to do anything. But it’s flattering that people are asking her to do it.
“She’s obviously a great wife and mother to three kids. And she has an inspirational story of overcoming cancer diagnosis, fighting through that and coming out stronger on the other end. And, you know, she’s one of the rare political spouses, even though I’m probably the most conservative governor in the country, she may even be more conservative than me.”
Political analysts anticipate that President Trump’s backing will significantly influence the race, potentially deterring other candidates from entering the fray. This mirrored the 2018 scenario when Trump’s endorsement propelled Ron DeSantis to the governorship.
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