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Rep. Byron Donalds Announces Run for Florida Governor in 2026

Published

February 25, 2025

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) has officially announced his candidacy for Florida governor, setting up what could be a high-stakes race to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2026.

Speaking on Fox News’ “Hannity” Tuesday night, Donalds said his decision came after “a lot of prayer, a lot of thoughts with my family and my friends.”

“Sean, we have a wonderful state,” Donalds said. “I got to Florida when I was 17 years old, off of a Greyhound bus with just a trunk full of clothes. … I built a family, I built a career, I served in the state legislature, in Congress. And I think now is the time to take the mantle and lead our state into the future.”

Donalds praised Gov. DeSantis for his leadership but emphasized his vision for keeping Florida the best state in the nation.

Trump Endorses Donalds

Donalds enters the race with the backing of former President Donald Trump, who has publicly encouraged him to run.

“I am hearing that Highly Respected Congressman Byron Donalds is considering running for Governor of Florida, a State that I love, and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024,” Trump wrote on social media.

“[S]hould he decide to run, [Donalds] will have my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN!”

Donalds is currently the only declared candidate, though speculation has grown over Casey DeSantis, Florida’s First Lady, potentially entering the race.