Rick Scott siding with Byron Donalds over Casey DeSantis for Florida Governor

Rick Scott via CPAC
'I'm going to do everything I can to be helpful to him. I think he'll be a phenomenal Governor.'

The most recent former Governor is ready for change in the Governor’s Mansion.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott says he prefers U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds over First Lady Casey DeSantis in the 2026 Governor’s race.

Scott is closely aligned with President Donald Trump and has had a distant relationship with current Gov. Ron DeSantis. New comments from Scott are the latest indication that the First Lady may be the underdog if she runs in the Republican Primary next August.

“Byron’s a friend. He’s my Congressman,” Scott told radio host Brian Kilmeade Monday when asked if he would endorse Donalds. “I’m going to do everything I can to be helpful to him. I think he’ll be a phenomenal Governor. I think he’s going to win. I’m glad that Trump endorsed him.”

Asked about Casey DeSantis entering the race, Scott reiterated that “Byron Donalds is going to win.”

Scott said Donalds has a “track record,” that he “works his butt off,” and that he “believes in the right things.”

Scott offered yet another reminder of who Trump backs, meanwhile, describing the President’s endorsement as “golden in this state.”

The dynamic between Scott and the current Governor has been rough since DeSantis’ inauguration. The two have squabbled about issues ranging from the state’s unemployment website to the need to return unspent COVID stimulus money to the federal government, and they have not visibly cooperated on much of anything in the last six-plus years.

Gov. DeSantis has yet to respond to Scott backing Donalds, but when the Senator endorsed Trump over him in the 2024 Republican Primary, DeSantis accused Scott of trying to “short-circuit” voters.

A.G. Gancarski

A.G. Gancarski has been the Northeast Florida correspondent for Florida Politics since 2014. His work also can be seen in the Washington Post, the New York Post, the Washington Times, and National Review, among other publications. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter: @AGGancarski


4 comments

  • Michael K

    March 17, 2025 at 3:56 pm

    Of course, he does! Rick Scott likes anyone who faced bribery charges, cheated on his wife, and thinks the Jim Crow was a great time for Black people!

    Reply

    • Peachy

      March 17, 2025 at 5:42 pm

      When will you and the lefty’s call him an Uncle Tom? You guys have the sameo playbook and we all know the plays now. 🤣

      Reply

      • MH/Duuuval

        March 17, 2025 at 7:47 pm

        Face it: Trump says Jump, MAGAs like say How high?

        This is an MO, not a playbook.

        Reply

  • EARL PITTS AMERICAN

    March 17, 2025 at 7:05 pm

    Good evening America
    NEVER FORGET … ITS NOT “NEWS” UNTIL EARL “WEIGHS IN”:
    America, this is EARL PITTS AMERICAN pay no attention to anybody who tells you that The Beautiful Casey has ANY interest in being Florida’s Office of Govornor.
    Fact is Casey’s going to be too busy measuering for new drapes in The White House.
    THATS RIGHT AMERICA:
    Ron and The Beautiful Casey will be moving into The White House in 2028 for 2 (TWO) CONSECUTIVE TERMS after Trump’s Term.
    IN CLOSING:
    Tell me, America, how would The Beautiful Casey even have time for Florida when she and Ron must devote their time to their POTUS CAMPAIGN????
    Thank you America,
    EARL PITTS AMERICAN [Ron & Casey’s 2028 POTUS Campaign Manager]
    *FREE BUMPER STICKER*
    *EARL SAYS: “VOTE DESANTIS 2028″*

    Reply

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