President Donald Trump is expressing his support for Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) in the 2026 Florida governor’s race — if Donalds decides to run.
In his post on Truth Social, Trump called on Donalds to run, saying he is a “TOTAL WINNER!”
“As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda,” Trump said. “He will fight tirelessly to Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Vets, Restore our Economic Power, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”
The president added:
“Byron Donalds would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida and, should he decide to run, will have my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN!”
Donalds reacted to Trump’s endorsement, declaring his commitment to working with Trump “to Keep Florida Great.”
The Republican lawmaker teased that an announcement is “coming soon!”
As Politico reports, “Should Donalds run and win, he’d be the first Black governor of Florida. Donalds, who’s in his third term in Congress, used to be close to DeSantis and was the only person to deliver remarks at his 2022 landslide reelection victory.”
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz reacted to Trump’s endorsement, telling Politico in a text message, “That’s a big boost for Byron.”
A donor and supporter of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) also told the outlet, “Looks like that’s that.”
There has been speculation as to whether DeSantis will run again for president in 2028.
