Jacob Ogles
Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds is tapping Chris Hudson to serve as his Campaign Manager.
“I am excited to have Chris on the team. He knows Florida like the back of his hand and is a fighter who knows how to win campaigns,” Donalds said.
Hudson, a Bonita Springs-based political consultant, serves as Vice President of Political Strategy at Presstige Printing and at Ace Political. Before joining the Southwest Florida firm, Hudson worked more than a decade for Americans for Prosperity, including four years as Vice President of Government Affairs.
Donalds, the only major candidate who has already launched his campaign for Governor, said Hudson’s past work will make him a strong leader for the 2026 statewide race.
“His extensive grassroots experience and principled leadership will help us win voters’ trust and take our America First message to all of Florida’s 67 counties,” Donalds said. “As campaign manager, he will play a pivotal role in helping us take Florida to new heights.”
Donalds boasts President Donald Trump’s endorsement in the open race. But other Republicans, including First Lady Casey DeSantis and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, are mulling runs.
“It is my honor to serve the Trump-endorsed candidate for Florida Governor in 2026 as campaign manager,” Hudson said. “We’re assembling an exceptional team to showcase Byron’s mission to lead Florida to greater heights, and we look forward to mobilizing across the state to earn each and every vote.”
Hudson has strong roots in Florida politics, starting his career as a legislative staffer in the Florida Senate. He later worked as Campaign Manager for former Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon and as Central Florida Director for the Republican House Majority. The latter work included experience directing 20 campaigns along the Interstate 4 Corridor, a critical swing area.
Hudson also worked for a Naples-based conservative think tank, the Foundation for Government Accountability.
