WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—Republican U.S. Representative Byron Donalds has officially entered the race for the 2026 gubernatorial election in Florida. With Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unable to run for re-election due to term limits, Donalds announced his candidacy, touting an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Known as a vocal supporter of Trump, Donalds had previously been considered for a vice-presidential role alongside him.
Ron DeSantis, who recently attempted a presidential campaign against Trump that did not succeed, has yet to endorse a candidate for the upcoming governor race. Prior to Donalds declaring his bid, Governor DeSantis hinted that his wife, Casey DeSantis, would make a commendable governor but noted that Donalds was not involved in certain conservative victories.
Born in Brooklyn but now residing in Naples, Florida, the 46-year-old Donalds is an alumnus of Florida State University. His political rise began when then-Governor Rick Scott appointed him to the board of trustees at a state college, eventually leading him to the Florida House in 2016. Donalds secured a seat in the U.S. House in 2020 and has since been a notable political figure, known for being nominated as a potential House Speaker by the far-right wing in January 2023.
Boosted by Trump’s endorsement, Donalds suggested a forthcoming announcement while expressing his determination to further enhance the state’s commendable profile, stating, “Florida is not going to stop leading. We’re going to build off of what we’ve done, and we are going to continue to lead bigger, better, faster, greater, safer, freer, because the American dream is for everybody, and we’re going to show the other 49 states how to get it done.”
Besides Casey DeSantis, possible contenders from the GOP include former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz, considering a run since January, and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, despite recent disagreements with DeSantis over immigration policies. However, with Trump’s influential backing, Donalds could emerge as the frontrunner in Republican politics, especially in Florida, where Trump has established strong ties.
President Trump threw his full support behind Donalds, sharing on social media that Donalds would make a “truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida,” adding his enthusiastic encouragement to “RUN, BYRON, RUN!”
If successful, Donalds could become Florida’s first African American governor, marking a historic milestone for the state. Together with his wife, Erika Donalds, he has earned recognition for efforts to overhaul public education, prioritizing the allocation of taxpayer money towards private and charter school systems. A former school board member, Erika Donalds heads a company managing charter schools and a virtual academy, showcasing their shared dedication to education reform.
