Byron Donalds Throws His Hat Into the Ring: A New Chapter for Florida Politics

In a move that has sent ripples through Florida’s political landscape, Representative Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) officially announced his candidacy for governor in 2026. This decision comes as Governor Ron DeSantis’ term draws to a close, setting the stage for a race that could redefine the state’s future. Speaking with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Donalds shared his hopeful vision for Florida, emphasizing his deep personal connection to the state. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Donalds moved to Florida at 17 with little more than a suitcase, embodying the American tale of perseverance and ambition. "I built a family, I built a career," he reflected, highlighting his journey from humble beginnings to a distinguished political career, including four years in the state legislature and four in Congress. Now, he feels ready to lead Florida into a new era, reinforcing his belief that the Sunshine State remains the best in the nation.

A Significant Endorsement: Trump Backs Donalds

Donalds’ bid for governorship received a powerful endorsement from former President Donald Trump, a move that could significantly bolster his campaign. Trump, known for his influence over Republican voters, praised Donalds as a "TOTAL WINNER" on Truth Social, commending his resilience under pressure. The former president highlighted Donalds’ alignment with his "America First Agenda," emphasizing issues such as border security, migrant crime, military strength, veterans’ protection, economic revival, energy dominance, and Second Amendment rights. Trump’s endorsement is crucial for Donalds, as it taps into Trump’s loyal voter base in Florida, a state that has increasingly leaned Republican. The endorsement also underscores the strategic alliance between the two leaders, signaling Trump’s confidence in Donalds’ ability to govern effectively and advance their shared political goals.

A Complex Relationship: Donalds, DeSantis, and the Path Ahead

Despite Trump’s backing, Donalds has intricately navigated his relationship with Governor Ron DeSantis, who is widely speculated to be eyeing a presidential run. Notably, Donalds endorsed Trump over DeSantis in the 2024 Republican primaries, a decision that could have strained his ties with the current governor. However, in his announcement, Donalds acknowleged DeSantis’ contributions, saying, "Ron DeSantis has done a tremendous job for our state." This praise suggests an effort to maintain harmony and avoid direct confrontation, at least for now. Yet, Donalds’ candidacy introduces a new dynamic into Florida’s political arena, as he positions himself as the next leader to carry the torch for conservatism in the state. His emphasis on keeping Florida the "best state in the country" aligns with DeSantis’ legacy but also sets the stage for a potential shift in leadership style or policy focus.

DeSantis’ Response: A Mix of Criticism and Confidence

Governor DeSantis responded to Donalds’ announcement with a blend of criticism and confidence. When asked about Donalds’ potential candidacy, DeSantis suggested that the congressman should focus on advancing Trump’s agenda in Washington rather than campaigning in Florida. "They haven’t done very much yet," DeSantis remarked, referring to GOP lawmakers in Congress. He criticized their lack of progress and implied that absentee lawmakers risk losing focus on critical legislative priorities. DeSantis also took a subtle jab at Donalds, noting that he hasn’t been part of the "victories" achieved in Florida during his tenure. Despite this, DeSantis expressed pride in his accomplishments, asserting that Florida has successfully countered "the left" under his leadership. His comments reflect a mix of confidence in his own legacy and skepticism about Donalds’ readiness to lead.

The Wild Card: Casey DeSantis and the Future of Florida Politics

Adding another layer to the intrigue is the possibility of Casey DeSantis, the governor’s wife, making her own political move in the future. When asked about rumors of her potential 2026 gubernatorial run, Ron DeSantis praised her warmly, saying, "She would do better than me." While he stopped short of confirming the rumors, his comments leave the door open for Casey DeSantis to enter the political arena. Should she decide to run, her candidacy would introduce a compelling new element into Florida’s political landscape. Her role as first lady has already made her a beloved figure in the state, and her potential candidacy could further expand the DeSantis family’s influence on Florida politics.

Looking Ahead: The Battle for Florida’s Future

As the race for Florida governor begins to take shape, the interplay between Byron Donalds, Ron DeSantis, and potentially Casey DeSantis promises to be one of the most compelling political sagas of 2026. Donalds’ candidacy represents an ambitious bid to step into the spotlight, leveraging his personal story, legislative experience, and high-profile endorsements to make his case to Floridians. At the same time, DeSantis’ remar