Republican Congressman Byron Donalds of Florida announced on Tuesday night his intent to run for governor.
Why It Matters
Donalds is an avid Trump supporter and came to the president’s side when the Sunshine State’s current governor, Ron DeSantis, threw his name into the 2024 presidential race during the Republican primary.
What To Know
While speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity, Donalds said, “Well look Sean, after a lot of prayer, a lot of thought with my family and my friends, I’m here to announce my candidacy to be the next governor of the great state of Florida.”
Donalds continued in part, “Now is the time to now take the mantle and lead our state into the future. We have a great governor; Ron DeSantis has done a tremendous job for our state. But now the job is to keep the best state in the country as the best state in the country. And so that’s going to be the mission at hand, and I’m excited to announce my candidacy with you tonight.”
Before making an appearance on Fox News, Donalds took to X, formerly Twitter, to tease the “BIG announcement.”
Donalds lives in the Naples area and graduated from Florida State University.
President Donald Trump previously threw his support behind Donalds in a post on Truth Social last week, saying in part, “Byron Donalds would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida and, should he decide to run, will have my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN!”
It is rumored that DeSantis’ wife Casey is also considering a bid to run in the 2026 gubernatorial election.
Newsweek reached out to DeSantis’ office via email Tuesday night for comment.
What People Are Saying
Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power on X: “Since his work with the Tea Party Congressman @ByronDonalds has been fighting for conservative values in Florida. I welcome him to the race for Governor of Florida. The @FloridaGOP will be ready to help whoever wins our nomination to Keep Florida Winning.”
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said in a statement: “Byron Donalds is a dangerous political opportunist who should be nowhere near the governor’s mansion.”
Fried continued, “One of the least popular people in Tallahassee politics, Byron is best known for skipping votes, defending insurrectionists, and promoting a revisionist version of Black history that defends Jim Crow. He has little political experience and no executive experience, and is completely unqualified to run the state of Florida.
“Byron is only interested in power, and he won’t fix our property insurance crisis or bring down the cost of living for Floridians. He only has a shot at the nomination because Trump endorsed him, and Trump is only endorsing him because he wants a puppet in the governor’s mansion — pissing off Ron DeSantis is an added bonus.”
Trump strategist Alex Bruesewitz on X: “Let’s go! @ByronDonalds just announced that he is running for Governor of Florida! The entire MAGA movement will be behind him!”
Donalds on X after making the announcement: “I arrived in the Sunshine State at 17 years old on a Greyhound bus, with a trunk full of clothes and a dream. Now is the time to keep the best state in the country as the best state in the country. Tonight, I am proud to announce my candidacy to be the next governor of Florida.”
What Happens Next
The primary election in Florida is August 18, 2026, and the general election is November 3, 2026.
Update 2/25/25, 10:52 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
