JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – President Donald Trump has made his preference clear for Florida’s next governor by endorsing Florida Rep. Byron Donalds in a Thursday Truth Social post.
This endorsement is expected to influence the 2026 race before it officially begins.
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Trump praised Donalds as a “TOTAL WINNER” who has been “tested at the highest and most difficult levels,” urging him to run and promising his “Complete and Total Endorsement.”
Donalds has not yet declared his candidacy, but Trump’s backing could discourage other potential contenders, including Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis, whose possible candidacy has been widely speculated.
Despite Trump’s endorsement solidifying Donalds as a frontrunner, a University of North Florida poll indicates that he faces a challenge in name recognition, with 66% of respondents unfamiliar with him, compared to 33% for Casey DeSantis.
Among those familiar with them, DeSantis enjoys a 30% favorability rating, while Donalds stands at 15% favorability, with 9% unfavorable.
In response to Trump’s endorsement, Donalds expressed his commitment to working with Trump and hinted at an upcoming announcement, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “President Trump is Making America Great Again. I’m committed to working with him to Keep Florida Great. Announcement coming soon!”
He has already taken steps that suggest a likely campaign, such as hiring Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio and fundraiser Megan McKinley, who previously worked for Secretary of Sate Marco Rubio when he was a Florida senator.
Donalds was scheduled to speak at CPAC 2025 in Washington, D.C.
Trump’s endorsement could also impact other potential candidates, such as Wilton Simpson, Florida’s agriculture commissioner.
Politico reported that former Rep. Matt Gaetz, said in a text, “That’s a big boost for Byron. I wonder how Ron and Casey are taking it.”
If elected, Donalds would become Florida’s first Black governor. Meanwhile, Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis, who has not declared her candidacy either, would be the state’s first female governor if she decides to run and wins.
The Democratic Party has not yet announced any candidates for the 2026 Florida governor race.
