Byron Donalds Announces Bid for Florida Governor with Trump's Endorsement

Donalds enters the 2026 race to succeed Ron DeSantis, facing potential competition from Casey DeSantis and other GOP contenders.

U.S. Representative Byron Donalds has officially declared his candidacy for Florida governor, aiming to build on Ron DeSantis's conservative policies.
Donalds has received the full endorsement of former President Donald Trump, positioning him as a strong contender in the Republican primary.
Governor Ron DeSantis has refrained from endorsing Donalds, instead suggesting his wife, Casey DeSantis, as a potential successor to continue his legacy.
Early polling shows Donalds leading among declared candidates but lagging in name recognition compared to Casey DeSantis, who has not yet announced her candidacy.
The race highlights divisions within Florida's Republican Party, with the Trump-backed MAGA faction and the DeSantis-aligned conservatives vying for influence.