President Trump Supports Rep. Byron Donalds for Florida’s 2026 Gubernatorial Race
By Space Coast Daily // February 20, 2025
DeSantis is term-limited and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Rep. Byron Donalds for Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race, signaling a major endorsement in what is expected to be a highly competitive contest.
In a social media post on Thursday, Trump praised Donalds as a “Highly Respected Congressman” and a strong contender to succeed term-limited Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
“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,” Trump wrote. “He would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida.”
Donalds, a Republican who has represented Florida’s 19th Congressional District for four years, has been rumored to be considering a bid for governor for nearly a year. While he has not officially announced his candidacy, sources told Fox News last month that he has been in discussions with potential donors and key political figures in Florida.
“I’ve thought about it. I don’t really rule anything out,” Donalds said in a Fox News Digital interview last spring, when asked about his potential gubernatorial ambitions.
Trump made his endorsement crystal clear, stating that if Donalds decides to run, he would have the former president’s “Complete and Total Endorsement.”
He also encouraged the congressman with a direct call to action: “RUN, BYRON, RUN!”
Donalds, a staunch conservative and close ally of Trump, has built a reputation as a strong voice in Florida politics. Before serving in Congress, he was a state lawmaker and played a role in shaping conservative policies in the state.
With Trump’s endorsement, Donalds is likely to gain significant traction among Florida Republicans, setting the stage for a heated primary in the coming years.
As the race for Florida governor begins to take shape, all eyes will be on Donalds and other potential contenders vying to lead one of the nation’s most politically influential states.
