Jacob Ogles
President Donald Trump made clear who he wants as the next Governor of Florida.
In a Truth Social post, Trump all but endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds to run as the state’s next chief executive in 2026. Donalds responded by all but announcing his candidacy.
“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 posted.
Donalds later on X shared the post and wrote: “President Trump is Making America Great Again. I’m committed to working with him to Keep Florida Great. Announcement coming soon!”
The President noted his familiarity with Donalds, whom he considered for his running mate in the 2024 presidential campaign, and with his family, including school choice advocate Erika Donalds.
“I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER!” Trump posted. “Byron has a great wife, Erika, and three beautiful sons. They are very proud of him! As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda. He will fight tirelessly to Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Vets, Restore our Economic Power, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always-under-siege Second Amendment.”
Donalds, a Naples Republican, indeed has taken several steps that signal a likely run for Governor, including bringing on prominent campaign staffers like Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio.
Earlier, Trump hinted that he wants to see Donalds seek higher office. Just last week, he shared a Victory Insights poll first reported by Florida Politics that had Donalds leading a field of contenders for Governor.
That poll notably didn’t include First Lady Casey DeSantis, who has polled well since signaling more serious consideration of running herself. Of course, DeSantis was also a fixture alongside Gov. Ron DeSantis when he unsuccessfully challenged Trump for the Republican nomination last year, something the President likely has not forgotten.
Trump’s latest post goes a step further and encourages Donalds to formally run, promising to receive arguably the most important endorsement in Republican politics right now.
“Byron Donalds would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida and, should he decide to run, will have my Complete and Total Endorsement,” Trump posted. “RUN, BYRON, RUN!”
This isn’t the first statewide race in 20266 where Trump has weighed in. He also gave an early endorsement to state Sen. Joe Gruters for Florida Chief Financial Officer shortly before the Sarasota Republican formally filed for the Cabinet post.
“It sends an undeniable message that Trump has a long memory and anybody who dares challenge his endorsed candidates in Florida will find themselves caught in his crosshairs,” Gruters said.
17 comments
Michael K
February 20, 2025 at 8:00 pm
Translation: Byron will do exactly as he is told by Hair Furor.
Peachy
February 20, 2025 at 8:38 pm
I think Donalds can think on his own. The Dems on the other hand do what Coup de Pelosi tells em what to do.
JustBabs
February 21, 2025 at 8:30 am
So the voters should just let Trump pick his doggies? Donalds is useless to Floridians. Didn’t even advocate for the hurricane victims, in any way. He’s too busy running his mouth to defend the MAGA conspiracies. Florida needs a gov that cares about its citizens.
Earl Pitts "Ron & Casey's Official "Un-Official" 2028 POTUS Campaigne Manager
February 21, 2025 at 8:54 am
Good Morn’Ting America,
I, Earl Pitts “Ron & Casey’s Official “Un-Official” 2028 POTUS Campaigne Manager, would like to thank myself for letting everyone know that Ron & The Beautiful Casey will be a little busy running our Great Nation from the White House in the TWO TERMS following Trump’s term.
That, America, is why Casey can not serve as Florida’s Govornor.
Thank you, America,
Earl Pitts “Ron & Casey’s Official “Un-Official” 2028 POTUS Campaigne Manager
ScienceBLVR
February 20, 2025 at 8:48 pm
Still thinking Mr. Donalds, might be a tough sell in certain counties in this state, no matter what Trump says, but again, maybe I’ve just gotten too cynical in my old age. Perhaps I’ve misjudged the fine folks in our Free state, who welcome inclusivity …
Harold Finch
February 21, 2025 at 7:54 am
I think you are absolutely right, and Donalds is no Barrack Obama! I personnal;y am sick and tired of Trump dictating who is elected in state and congresssional races in Florida, with all of his mindless minoions voting for whoever he endorses.
As for me, I will be working and campaigning for anyone besides Donalds.
FactsRus
February 20, 2025 at 10:12 pm
Byron Donald’s seems like a decent Congressman, but he is not a bold, intellectual, fearless, leader like Ron DeSantis. FL grassroots are not dialing backwards.
Unsure why someone in DJT’s circle doesn’t brief him on both of the Donald’s issues.
The FL grassroots will ferret out the best conservative candidate for Governor. He (or she) haven’t declared their candidacy yet.
SuzyQ
February 20, 2025 at 11:45 pm
If Florida’s First Lady, Casey DeSantis, decides to run for Governor of Florida, she will win. To my disappointment, she has always respectfully declined when asked by donors and supporters.
Ron Ogden
February 21, 2025 at 9:38 am
It is early days. Do you think they’re going to take a sure GOP member out of Congress when they are going to have a tough time keeping a slim majority? Dunno the wisdom of that.
How would the female vote split in the primary? My guess is Casey 55% Byron 45%. How would the female vote split in the general? Well, considering that the Dems just do not have a viable candidate anywhere and at least some Dems would crossover on election day, I’d say it would be Casey 57% versus anybody else. Just my guess.
PeterH
February 21, 2025 at 8:25 am
The criminal element within today’s GQP is breathtaking!
JustBabs
February 21, 2025 at 8:32 am
Corruption and criminality is a feature of the MAGA Party. Sexual assault is plus. All in Trump’s image.
Michael K
February 21, 2025 at 8:41 am
Ignorance is a badge of honor – divisiveness required.
Ron Ogden
February 21, 2025 at 10:56 am
Peter, I can’t seem to recall that Donald Trump had to pardon his kid and the rest of his family.
Face it, Trump is president for the next four years and the Democrats are unlikely to gain any substantial power in Florida for the rest of your life (and mine, too.) Why don’t we just drop the harping and carping and give some substantive input into public issues, of which there are many here are present and many more on the horizon.
wakes
February 21, 2025 at 8:42 am
Now that is a DEI hire fo sho!
Along for the Ride
February 21, 2025 at 11:26 am
Can we get someone that is more centered minded?
Joe
February 21, 2025 at 3:27 pm
In Florida?? The centrist ship has long since sailed, it’s far-right authoritarianism for a generation thanks to FL’s foxbrained voting populace.
Joe
February 21, 2025 at 3:25 pm
Donald and Donalds are peas in a pod: both have criminal backgrounds, both are former Democrats, both are exceedingly stupid and corrupt.