Former President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Congressman Byron Donalds in the upcoming 2026 Florida gubernatorial race. In a recent social media post, Trump expressed his strong support for Donalds, calling him a "truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida" and offering his "Complete and Total Endorsement."
Donalds, a four-term congressman representing southwest Florida, has been contemplating a gubernatorial bid for some time and has reportedly been informing potential donors of his intentions. He further fueled speculation by hiring Tony Fabrizio, a prominent Republican pollster who worked on Trump's presidential campaigns.
Following Trump's endorsement, Donalds posted on social media, expressing his commitment to working with the former president to "Keep Florida Great" and hinting at an upcoming announcement. Sources suggest Donalds actively sought Trump's support to solidify his position in the race and potentially deter other contenders.
Other potential candidates for the governorship include Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and speculation has surrounded Florida's First Lady, Casey DeSantis. However, Trump's endorsement of Donalds could significantly impact their decisions. Former Congressman Matt Gaetz has also been mentioned, but recent speculation about his candidacy has quieted.
This is not the first time Trump has publicly supported Donalds. He previously shared a poll suggesting Donalds leading in a hypothetical gubernatorial matchup. Trump's endorsement carries considerable weight within the Republican party, and with Florida now leaning heavily Republican, the winner of the GOP primary is highly likely to win the general election.
