President Donald Trump has said he will back Congressman Byron Donalds to become Florida’s next governor if he runs for the position in 2026 as expected.
Trump said in a Feb. 20 social media post on Truth Social, “I am hearing that Highly Respected Congressman Byron Donalds is considering running for Governor of Florida.”
The president said he would give the Florida congressman his “Complete and Total Endorsement” should he decide to run.
“I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER! Byron has a great wife, Erika, and three beautiful sons. They are very proud of him!” Trump wrote.
“As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda.”
Donalds responded to Trump’s post, saying that he is “committed to working with him [Trump] to Keep Florida Great” and will make an announcement soon.
Trump’s backing comes after he posted on Truth Social the results of a Victory Insights hypothetical poll on the primary election for Florida’s governor last month that showed Donalds “was far ahead.” Trump also posted a long list of Donald’s backers for the governor’s role, including names such as Scott Bessent, Doug Bergum, David Sacks, and Keith Wold.
No major candidate has officially filed to run for governor in the state as yet, but some have touted Casey DeSantis, Florida’s current first lady, as another possible contender for the Republicans. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) also said early last month was considering running for governor.
Endorsing Trump
Donalds endorsed Trump for the 2024 presidential race in April 2023, which he indicated was done out of concern about the nation’s state. “Look around right now. Our economy is a mess. Inflation is making life unaffordable for our families. Our borders have become completely insecure. Our justice system has become an injustice system,” Donalds stated.Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, by a single mother, Donalds graduated from Florida State University with a degree in finance and marketing, according to his biography. Before politics, his career spanned the state’s banking, finance, and insurance industries.
Donalds was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016 before winning his congressional seat in the Nov. 3, 2020 election. The 46-year-old currently represents Florida’s 19th Congressional District.
From NTD News
