Rep. Byron Donalds Announces Bid for Florida Governor in 2026

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican representing Florida, has officially announced his candidacy for the state’s governorship in the upcoming election scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026. The announcement was made during an interview on Fox News’ “Hannity” on tuesday night, where Donalds shared his motivations for seeking the state’s highest office. He emphasized his deep connection to Florida,having arrived at the age of 17 and later building his family and career there. The move has already garnered significant attention, including an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.

Donalds’ decision to run for governor comes “after a lot of prayer [and] a lot of thoughts with my family and my friends,” he told host Sean Hannity. The announcement marks the beginning of what is expected to be a closely watched and potentially crowded race for the Sunshine State’s top executive position.

Donalds’ Vision for Florida

During his announcement, donalds expressed his vision for the future of Florida, highlighting its current standing and the need for continued leadership. He aims to build upon the existing foundation and guide the state toward further prosperity.

“Sean,we have a wonderful state,” Donalds stated,reflecting on his personal journey in Florida. I got to Florida when I was 17 years old, off of a Greyhound bus with just a trunk full of clothes. And over the rest of my time in Florida, I built a family, I built a career.… I was able to serve four years in a state legislature, four years in Congress.

He added, And I think now is the time to now take the mantle and lead our state into the future. Donalds’ remarks underscore his belief that his experience and dedication make him the right choice to lead Florida forward.

Praise for Current Governor ron DeSantis

Donalds acknowledged the work of the current Florida gov. Ron DeSantis, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining the state’s success. According to Donalds, he is currently the only candidate in the race.

We have a great governor.Ron DeSantis has done a tremendous job for our state, Donalds said. But now the job is to keep the best state in the country as the best state in the country. And so that’s going to be the mission at hand. And I’m excited to announce my candidacy with you tonight.

Trump’s Endorsement

Former President Donald Trump has already voiced his support for Donalds’ gubernatorial bid.In a social media post, Trump stated his endorsement of the Florida congressman, signaling a significant boost to Donalds’ campaign.

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.

donald Trump

Trump further added, [S]hould he decide to run, [Donalds] will have my Complete and total Endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN! This early endorsement from a prominent figure like Trump could significantly influence the dynamics of the upcoming election.

DeSantis’ Viewpoint

While Trump has endorsed Donalds, Gov. Ron DeSantis has not signaled his support. DeSantis recently commented on the importance of Florida congressmen focusing on enacting Trump’s agenda, suggesting a potential difference in priorities.

Thay haven’t done very much yet, DeSantis said on Monday. They’re not putting his executive orders into place. We’ll see what they do on the spending,but we have such a narrow majority that to be trying to campaign other places and missing these votes,I think,is not something that’s advisable at all.

Speculation Surrounding Casey DeSantis

Adding another layer to the political landscape, rumors have circulated regarding a potential gubernatorial run by DeSantis’ wife, Casey. When questioned about these rumors, Gov. DeSantis remained coy, neither confirming nor denying the possibility.

People ask me all the time about our wonderful first lady, who has done a fantastic job as first lady of Florida, DeSantis responded. I will tell you this.You’re talking about somebody like her.I won by the biggest margin that any republican has ever won a governor’s race here in Florida. She would do better than me.

Looking Ahead to 2026

With the election still over a year away, the political dynamics in Florida are poised for meaningful developments. Donalds’ entry into the race, coupled with Trump’s endorsement and the swirling rumors surrounding Casey DeSantis, sets the stage for a competitive and closely watched gubernatorial election in 2026. The focus will likely remain on the candidates’ visions for the state’s

Florida’s 2026 Gubernatorial Race: A Deep Dive into the Donalds Bid and Beyond

Will Byron Donalds’ early entry, coupled with Trump’s endorsement, reshape the Florida political landscape, perhaps overshadowing even the current governor’s influence?

Interviewer: Dr. Eleanor Vance, Senior Editor, world-today-news.com

Expert: Professor Marcus Cole, Professor of Political Science, specializing in Florida Politics.

The Donalds Candidacy: A Game Changer?

Interviewer: Professor Cole, Byron donalds’ proclamation has sent shockwaves through the florida political scene. How significant is this move,considering the current political climate and the potential for a DeSantis candidacy?

Professor cole: The entry of Representative Donalds into the 2026 gubernatorial race is undeniably a significant progress. His announcement, coupled with the immediate endorsement from former President Trump, promptly elevates the stakes. This early entry allows donalds to begin cultivating a strong base of support and define his political identity against what might be a formidable field of opponents. Its a bold strategy, notably considering the achievements of Governor DeSantis that will likely be a central point of comparison from other candidates. The presence of two candidates with strong conservative appeal within such a politically pivotal state as Florida makes this a particularly interesting race to watch.

Trump’s Influence: An Early Endorsement’s Impact

Interviewer: Former President Trump’s swift endorsement of Donalds is striking. What impact do you foresee this having on the race’s trajectory?

Professor Cole: Trump’s endorsement is a powerful tool and a significant force in shaping Republican primary races. It provides Donalds with immediate name recognition, financial resources, and unparalleled access to Trump’s vast network of supporters within the state of Florida. This early backing could significantly influence voters who strongly identify with the former president. It’s not hyperbole to suggest that this will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the primary. It will be interesting to see whether this support will shift popular opinion given the recent history of Trump’s endorsements not always translating into victory for the candidate he champions.

DeSantis’ Position: A Shifting Landscape

Interviewer: How does Governor DeSantis’ apparent lack of support for Donalds, and his recent focus on the federal legislative agenda, change the dynamics?

Professor Cole: Governor DeSantis maintaining his silence on Donalds’ campaign is especially telling within this context. DeSantis’ focus on federal legislation reflects a strategic shift, potentially aiming to increase his own national political influence, or to position himself for a presidential run. This absence of an endorsement from the sitting governor allows Donalds freedom to define his candidacy without direct confrontation from a political heavyweight at this stage in the game. His lack of support doesn’t necessarily mean DeSantis is out of the running, but it leaves the door wide open for other candidates to emerge.

The Potential Candidacy of Casey DeSantis:

Interviewer: The rumors surrounding Casey desantis entering the race are fascinating. What are the implications shoudl she choose to run?

Professor Cole: The possibility of Casey DeSantis entering the race adds another layer of complexity. Her potential candidacy would inject a new dynamic, potentially overshadowing Donalds and drawing attention away from the established trajectory of the race. Her position as First Lady of Florida grants her considerable name recognition, a supportive electorate, and potentially access to considerable resources. Her campaign would be based on a different foundation to that of her husband’s, a critical difference which could be decisive within the race.

Looking Ahead: Key Factors to Watch

Interviewer: What should voters and political observers be particularly focused on as this race unfolds?

Professor Cole: Several key factors will shape this race:

Fundraising: The ability of each candidate to secure ample financial resources will be crucial.

Debate Performance: Voters will have to judge the candidates’ performance in political debates as this will likely shape many undecided voters’ opinions.

Messaging and Campaign Strategy: The effectiveness with which candidates frame their messages and implement strategic communications strategies will play a significant role.

External Factors: National political trends and unforeseen events will inevitably influence the Florida election.

* Endorsements: Further endorsements from prominent figures, either within Florida or nationally, will likely prove critical in determining public support of the candidates.

Conclusion: A Race to Watch Closely

Interviewer: Thank you, Professor Cole, for your insightful analysis. This race promises to be a significant one for Florida and potentially for the whole contry.

Professor Cole: My pleasure.The 2026 florida gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a fascinating contest, and the coming months will be critical in determining who emerges as the leading candidate. It really is a race to watch closely. We encourage readers to share their perspectives in the comment section below, and continue to follow the unfolding developments on this crucial state race.