‘Fearless conservative’: Florida delegation leader Vern Buchanan backs Byron Donalds for Governor

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, Co-Chair of Florida’s congressional delegation, says he wants U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds as Florida’s next Governor.

The Longboat Key Republican told Florida Politics he is endorsing his Naples colleague.

“My friend, Byron Donalds, is a fearless Conservative and MAGA patriot,” Buchanan said. “I have worked closely with him in Congress and know from personal experience his fight, tenacity and effectiveness. He will be a great executive for our Sunshine State.”

Donalds announced last month that he will run to be the state’s chief executive. He has served alongside Buchanan in the U.S. House since his election to Congress in 2020.

This isn’t the first time Buchanan has pushed Donalds’ leadership potential. Amid the fight to replace former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023, Buchanan promoted Donalds as the best choice. Buchanan’s support at the time helped derail a Speaker bid by U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican, though the gavel ultimately went to now-Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana.

“There’s a reason Vern previously nominated Donalds for Speaker of the House,” said Max Goodman, a longtime political advisor to Buchanan. “He has earned the trust of his colleagues throughout the delegation and has what it takes to take Florida to the next level.”

Buchanan’s support also comes as First Lady Casey DeSantis mulls her own bid for Governor. But it’s little surprise that Buchanan has sided with Donalds early in the potential Republican matchup. Like Donalds, Buchanan endorsed Donald Trump over Gov. Ron DeSantis for President when both Florida men were seeking the Republican nomination last cycle.

Trump critically endorsed Donalds ahead of the Naples Republican’s entry into the Governor’s race.

Buchanan’s support also came shortly after U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, a former Governor and fellow Naples Republican, openly voiced support for Donalds’ bid for Governor. Scott also backed Trump over DeSantis for President.