President Donald Trump has endorsed Consultant Byron Donalds for the state’s 2026 gubernatorial race.
The announcement, made Thursday on Trump’s social media platform Fact Social, indicators a major enhance for Donalds’ potential marketing campaign.
Trump wrote:
I’m listening to that Extremely Revered Congressman Byron Donalds is contemplating operating for Governor of Florida, a State that I like, and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
I do know Byron properly, have seen him examined on the highest and most tough ranges, and he’s a TOTAL WINNER! Byron has an ideal spouse, Erika, and three lovely sons. They’re very pleased with him! As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work carefully with me to advance our America First Agenda. He’ll combat tirelessly to Safe our Border, Cease Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Army, Defend our Vets, Restore our Financial Energy, Advance American Vitality DOMINANCE, and Defend our all the time beneath siege Second Modification.
Byron Donalds can be a really Nice and Highly effective Governor for Florida and, ought to he determine to run, may have my Full and Whole Endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN!
Donalds responded to Trump’s endorsement on X, hinting that he plans to enter the race very quickly.
“President Trump is Making America Nice Once more. I’m dedicated to working with him to Preserve Florida Nice. Announcement coming quickly!” he wrote.
President Trump is Making America Nice Once more.
I’m dedicated to working with him to Preserve Florida Nice.
Announcement coming quickly! pic.twitter.com/Bimj712vIL
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) February 21, 2025
The endorsement arrives amidst hypothesis about different potential candidates for the Republican nomination. Florida First Girl Casey DeSantis has been talked about as a doable contender.
Nevertheless, Governor Ron DeSantis lately said throughout a Tuesday interview on Fox News’s The Ingraham Angle, “It’s not one thing that she’s in search of out.”
He added, “I believe lots of people are simply involved about the way forward for the state. However this isn’t something new. Folks have been asking her to do that for a very long time. However she’s not in search of to do something. But it surely’s flattering that persons are asking her to do it.
“She’s clearly an ideal spouse and mom to 3 youngsters. And she or he has an inspirational story of overcoming most cancers analysis, combating via that and popping out stronger on the opposite finish. And, you understand, she’s one of many uncommon political spouses, though I’m most likely essentially the most conservative governor within the nation, she could even be extra conservative than me.”
Political analysts anticipate that President Trump’s backing will considerably affect the race, doubtlessly deterring different candidates from getting into the fray. This mirrored the 2018 state of affairs when Trump’s endorsement propelled Ron DeSantis to the governorship.