Byron Donalds Announces Candidacy for Florida Governor with Trump’s Endorsement

Rep. Byron Donalds Announces Candidacy for Florida Governor, with Trump’s Endorsement

Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican from Florida, has officially announced his candidacy for governor of Florida in 2026. During an appearance on Fox News Tuesday evening, Donalds shared his intention to run, emphasizing his goal to maintain Florida’s status as the best state in the country. The announcement follows an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who had already expressed his support for Donalds earlier this month. Trump praised Donalds as a strong ally in advancing the America First agenda, including securing the border, strengthening the military, and protecting Second Amendment rights.

Donalds is the first major Republican to enter the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Florida first lady, Casey DeSantis, has been mentioned as a potential contender, and her husband publicly discussed her as a strong candidate. However, Gov. DeSantis, who has had a tense relationship with Donalds, did not endorse the congressman, instead focusing on Florida’s achievements and hinting that his wife might run. Donalds, 46, previously served in the Florida House before being elected to Congress in 2020.

If successful, Donalds would make history as Florida’s first Black governor. He is already viewed as a rising star within the Republican Party and has gained significant attention for his endorsement of Trump and his role as a key surrogate for the Trump campaign. While polls show Donalds leading other GOP candidates in the primary, some data suggests Casey DeSantis holds a higher name recognition.

“We have a great governor. Ron DeSantis has done a tremendous job for our state but now the job is to keep the best state in the country as the best state in the country, so that’s going to be the mission at hand,” Donalds said.

The race for Florida’s governor’s office is expected to be one of the most closely watched in 2026, as the state has solidified itself as a Republican stronghold in recent years.