‘A true patriot’: Byron Donalds adds endorsement from Miami Young Republicans

An organization of young conservatives from Florida’s most famous city is getting behind U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds’ bid for Governor.

Miami Young Republicans, self-described as comprising the city’s “next-gen business and political leaders,” is endorsing Donalds to succeed Ron DeSantis as the state’s next top elected executive.

The group cited Donalds’ support of school choice and parental empowerment, his anti-abortion views and his environmental stewardship as key to clinching its support.

“Since starting his political career as a Young Republican, Congressman Donalds has exemplified a strong work ethic and conservative values that reflect the best in our club,” Miami Young Republicans President Tony Figueroa said in a statement.

“During his time in Congress, he has stood firm representing his district and the good that Florida stands for, serving as a true patriot in our nation’s capital. We look forward to working alongside his campaign and delivering victory in his gubernatorial race.”

Miami Young Republicans comprises more than 30 members in elected office, over 300 “emerging leaders, political staffers and young professionals,” and some 50,000 members of a “highly engaged online community,” according to the organization’s website.

Donalds’ relationship with the group solidified when it welcomed Donalds to keynote an event the group hosted Aug. 3, 2023. Other GOP notables that attended and spoke at the event included consultant Roger Stone and former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera, whom President Donald Trump tapped in December to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Panama.

The group’s endorsement of Donalds comes ahead of the potential gubernatorial campaign launches of several other GOP notables, including First Lady Casey DeSantis, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz and former Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward.

It also comes more than a week before Donalds’ hometown kickoff rally in Bonita Springs.

Others backing Donalds include Trump; Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino; state Sens. Randy Fine and Joe Gruters; state Reps. Yvette Benarroch, Berny Jacques and Toby Overdorf; Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer; former state Rep. Spencer Roach; former Florida GOP Chair Christian Ziegler; Donald Trump Jr.; Fox News’ Lara Trump; Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk; conservative commentator Benny Johnson; Club for Growth PAC; the Black Conservative Federation; and Club 47 USA.

Donalds’ campaign has been working to cement his position as the Republican Primary front-runner before any real competition enters the race against him. To that end, the campaign released internal polling last week showing how, when informed of the President’s endorsement of him, likely Primary voters prefer Donalds over Casey DeSantis in a theoretical head-to-head clash by a nearly 2-to-1 ratio.

Democrats rumored or confirmed to be mulling a run include Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo, Miami Gardens state Sen. Shevrin Jones, Jacksonville state Rep. Angie Nixon, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham.

The 2026 Primary Election is on Aug. 18. The General Election is on Nov. 3.