Trump’s Endorsement Shakes Up Florida’s 2026 Governor’s Race, Challenging DeSantis’ Legacy

Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis had been working behind the scenes to influence the race to succeed him in 2026. Their message to key Republican donors and operatives was clear: Hold off on supporting Rep. Byron Donalds, as Casey DeSantis was seriously considering entering the race. But that plan was abruptly disrupted when former President Donald Trump issued a forceful endorsement of Donalds, reshaping the political landscape and threatening DeSantis’ influence over his own successor.

DeSantis’ Push for Control

According to multiple Republican operatives, DeSantis had personally reached out to donors and party insiders, asking them to delay backing Donalds. The governor reportedly wanted to ensure that his successor would continue his conservative agenda, which has included aggressive policies on education, pandemic restrictions, and social issues. But Trump’s endorsement of Donalds not only challenged DeSantis’ hold on Florida politics but also complicated his future aspirations, particularly if he pursues another presidential run.

Sources say DeSantis and Casey were planning to meet with Trump last week during the National Governors Association gathering in Washington, D.C., hoping to discuss the governor’s race. While it remains unclear if that meeting took place, the couple did attend a White House dinner for governors.

Trump’s Influence in Florida

With Florida firmly in Republican control, many within the party believe that Trump’s endorsement is the deciding factor in any major statewide race.

“Trump is going to decide the elections in Florida in 2026,” said state Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota). “He controls the party, he controls the state — and there’s nothing that anybody can do to change that.”

Donalds, who has yet to officially announce his candidacy, appears poised to enter the race soon. At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) last Friday, he praised both DeSantis and former Gov. Rick Scott, declaring, “Florida is not going to stop leading.” He then teased his own political future, telling the audience to “stay tuned.”

DeSantis Hits Back

At a Tampa press conference on Monday, DeSantis directly criticized Donalds, arguing that he should focus on Congress and questioning his contributions to Florida’s recent conservative victories. The governor also confidently predicted that if Casey DeSantis were to run, she would win by a larger margin than his own 2022 reelection.

Some in DeSantis’ camp remain undeterred, believing that Casey DeSantis could still mount a formidable campaign. A Florida Republican consultant described her as a “beautiful, elegant solution” for those seeking continuity with DeSantis’ policies. Her work on initiatives like “Hope Florida” has already positioned her as an influential political figure in the state.

A Strained Relationship with Trump

The DeSantis-Trump rivalry has been brewing for years. Trump’s 2018 endorsement helped propel DeSantis into the governor’s mansion, but their relationship soured when DeSantis challenged Trump for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, only to finish a distant second in Iowa. Trump allies, including key political strategist Susie Wiles, have long been at odds with DeSantis and now play a significant role in shaping Trump’s political moves.

Donalds was once a DeSantis ally, even speaking at his 2022 reelection victory party. However, tensions grew after Donalds endorsed Trump over DeSantis for president and criticized Florida’s updated education standards. Trump’s endorsement of Donalds is widely seen as a power move, reinforcing his dominance in Florida politics and sidelining DeSantis’ influence.

The Road Ahead

While some DeSantis supporters argue that the governor should back Donalds to avoid becoming a lame duck, others believe he still has time to maneuver. Meanwhile, Casey DeSantis’ political future remains uncertain, though some believe she could still enter the race, setting up a potential high-stakes battle between the DeSantis and Trump factions.

One Republican operative summed up the situation: “Trump has a long memory, and anybody who dares challenge his endorsed candidates in Florida will find themselves caught in his crosshairs.”

As Florida’s 2026 governor’s race heats up, the battle for the Republican Party’s future in the state—and DeSantis’ political legacy—has only just begun