Former President Trump publicly expressed his support for Republican Congressman Byron Donalds to run for governor of Florida in 2026, to succeed the outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis. Trump, who is a resident of Florida, made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that he wholeheartedly supports Donalds’ potential candidacy. Trump highlighted Donalds’ qualities and achievements, calling him a promising candidate for the governorship.
Byron Donalds, a staunch supporter of Trump in Congress, has not formally announced his candidacy for governor yet but has been dropping hints about a potential run. With Governor DeSantis reaching his term limit after two successful terms, the field is wide open for new contenders in the upcoming gubernatorial race in Florida. Trump’s early endorsement of Donalds could potentially discourage other contenders from entering the race.
Trump’s endorsement of Donalds came earlier than anticipated by many, solidifying the congressman’s position as a frontrunner for the governorship. A recent internal poll shared by Trump showed Donalds leading with 31% support in a hypothetical gubernatorial race in Florida, far ahead of other potential candidates like Jeanette Nuñez and Wilton Simpson.
Speculations are rife that Casey DeSantis, the First Lady of Florida, might also be considering a run for governor, adding more intrigue to the upcoming election. If Donalds decides to run for governor and secures the Republican nomination with Trump’s backing, he could bring a fresh perspective and leadership to the state of Florida.
The support from Trump, a key figure within the Republican Party, could significantly boost Donalds’ profile and influence within the party, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive race leading up to the 2026 gubernatorial election in Florida. The political landscape in Florida is expected to heat up as various candidates position themselves for a chance to lead the state in the coming years.