Jacob Ogles
More members of the Florida Congressional Delegation have lined up behind U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds’ campaign for Governor.
That includes U.S. Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart, Scott Franklin, Laurel Lee, Brian Mast, John Rutherford, María Elvira Salazar and Daniel Webster, all Republicans.
Mast, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, cheered his House colleague.
“If there’s one thing about Byron, it’s that he never backs down from a fight, and that’s what Floridians need in their Governor,” the Stuart Republican said. “He’ll fight for families, seniors, and veterans, and Byron is going to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President (Donald) Trump to make it clear that Americans will no longer be taken advantage of. I’m damn proud to endorse a patriot, a fighter, and my friend, Byron Donalds for Governor.”
Lee, a Thonotosassa Republican, was notable on the list as she was the only Florida federal lawmaker who endorsed Gov. Ron DeSantis for President. She endorsed Donalds for Governor even as First Lady Casey DeSantis mulls a bid to succeed her husband. But Lee said her work with Donalds in the House demonstrated for her his capabilities.
“My friend Byron Donalds cares deeply about Florida and every resident who calls the Sunshine State home,” Lee said. “I am proud to join with President Trump in endorsing Byron Donalds for Governor. Byron will work to expand economic and educational opportunities for families and students. He will work to make Florida more affordable. And he will always stand up for our seniors. With common-sense solutions and rock-solid conservative principles, Byron Donalds will make an outstanding Governor for Florida.”
Franklin, a Lakeland Republican, has worked closely with Donalds on a number of issues impacting the Florida Heartland, an area represented in part by both Congressmen.
“If you know Byron Donalds, then you know Byron Donalds is a man on a mission to deliver results for our constituents,” Franklin said. “Byron believes strongly in passing President Trump’s agenda for both Florida and our nation. In Congress, Byron has been a strong advocate for our military and veterans, and I know that as Governor, he will continue that commitment. I am honored to endorse Byron Donalds for Florida Governor.”
Díaz-Balart, the current dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation, represents portions of Collier County, where Donalds lives.
“I have known Byron Donalds for many years, seen his fighting spirit at work, and know that without question, Byron Donalds is the right choice for Governor,” the Hialeah Republican said. “Byron Donalds will serve Floridians with humility and honor and confront the challenges facing our state head on. He will stand up for our seniors, veterans, workers, and families. He will work with President Trump to keep Floridians safe, expand economic prosperity, improve schools, and make the state more affordable. With Byron Donalds as Governor, I have no doubt Florida’s best days are still to come.”
Salazar, a Coral Gables Republican, praised Donalds’ work on economic issues.
“I’m proud to endorse Byron Donalds for Governor. Byron is the best choice to keep Florida’s economy strong, stand up for Seniors, reduce insurance rates, and bring down the cost of groceries and energy bills,” she said. “I encourage all Floridians to stand with President Trump and support Byron Donalds for Governor.”
Webster, a Clermont Republican, has worked on school choice issues, a signature agenda item for Donalds in his campaign.
“Byron Donalds has my full support to be Florida’s Governor. Byron Donalds is a champion for school choice and conservative values,” he said. “Byron’s commitment to strengthening our economy, expanding education opportunities for students, and lowering taxes will ensure Florida remains the leading state for freedom and opportunity in America.”
Rutherford, a Jacksonville Republican and former Sheriff, touted Donalds’ record on law and order.
“I am proud to endorse Byron Donalds for Governor. Byron is a thoughtful leader who is not afraid to stand up for what is right,” Rutherford said. “As our Governor, Byron Donalds’ highest priority will be ensuring the safety and security of all Floridians. Byron will work with President Trump to stop illegal immigration, and he will always stand with law enforcement so Florida remains the freest and safest state in the nation.”
The lawmakers follow endorsements from Trump, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, Republican chair of the congressional delegation. U.S. Reps. Kat Cammack and Cory Mills stumped for Donalds at his campaign kickoff in Bonita Springs. U.S. Rep. Randy Fine also endorsed Donalds before his election to Congress.
