On Thursday, President Donald Trump expressed his support for Republican Representative Byron Donalds in what is expected to be his campaign for Florida governor in 2026.
Although Donalds has yet to make a formal announcement, NBC News reported last month that he is informing donors of his intention to run for the seat currently held by Republican Ron DeSantis, who is term-limited.
As one of Trump’s staunchest supporters in Congress, Donalds was anticipated to receive Trump’s endorsement, although its public nature arrived earlier than many had expected.
“I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest, most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER!” Trump posted on Truth Social on Thursday. “As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda.”
While no significant candidates have officially filed to run for governor in 2026, both Donalds and Casey DeSantis have been regarded as leading contenders for the GOP nomination. Earlier this month, Casey DeSantis, the first lady of Florida, hinted at considering a run, a topic that was openly discussed at a donor event in Palm Beach County, according to NBC News.
Trump’s endorsement is a significant victory for Donalds. Trump won Florida by a margin of 13 percentage points, resides in the state, and is widely regarded as having the most substantial influence in Florida’s Republican politics.
Nathan Howard / Bloomberg via Getty Images file
Recently, DeSantis has been making calls regarding his wife’s potential gubernatorial campaign, including reaching out to Tallahassee-based lobbyists with interests before his administration, as reported by sources familiar with the discussions.
“He was definitely starting to make calls on this,” said a donor who had a direct conversation with DeSantis. “I’m not sure if that altered Byron’s timeline at all, but the sitting governor was initiating calls, which seems to have really energized this race.”
DeSantis’ office did not respond to requests for comments.
DeSantis had been actively seeking a candidate to support in 2026, which the current field — unless his wife decides to enter — did not provide.
Tensions exist between DeSantis and Donalds following Donalds’ endorsement of Trump in the 2024 presidential primary, and state Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, another rumored candidate, has clashed with DeSantis on various issues, particularly immigration.
The impact of Trump’s endorsement on Casey DeSantis’ decision-making regarding a possible run in 2026 remains uncertain, but some speculate it could lead her to reconsider her candidacy.
“She’s going to have to process everything and navigate through the stages of grief, but in the end, they may conclude that she won’t run,” stated a seasoned GOP lobbyist from Florida. “Trump just secured this state with a 15-point victory and significantly outperformed DeSantis in a national election. They’re aware that their brand cannot sustain another loss to Trump.”
In addition to Trump’s clear endorsement, Donalds disclosed a roster of prominent GOP supporters earlier this week — a list that Trump himself shared on Truth Social. The group included South Florida GOP mega donor Max Alvarez, lobbyist Brian Ballard — who maintains ties to both Trump and DeSantis — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and tech billionaire David Sacks, among others.
Trump also attached a poll indicating that Donalds holds a strong lead in a hypothetical 2026 race.
Within Trump’s circle, there are those who continue to view Casey DeSantis against the backdrop of a longstanding rivalry between Trump and DeSantis. Trump had endorsed DeSantis during his initial gubernatorial campaign in 2018, providing a significant boost, but some of Trump’s supporters perceived DeSantis’s presidential ambitions in 2024 as a betrayal.
