President Donald Trump has issued his official endorsement for the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race, announcing the candidate he wants to replace Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).
On November 3, 2026, Floridians will choose their next governor. As the incumbent, Gov. Ron DeSantis, is term-limited, he cannot seek reelection to a third term. It is unclear at this time what DeSantis plans to do after leaving office.
In a Truth Social post on the evening of February 20, Trump announced his pick to succeed DeSantis — Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), who Trump deemed a “TOTAL WINNER.”
“I am hearing that Highly Respected Congressman Byron Donalds is considering running for Governor of Florida, a State that I love, and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024,” the president wrote.
“I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER!” he added.
Trump went on to praise Donalds and his family, asserting that he would work hard to advance the America First agenda as Florida’s next governor.
“Byron has a great wife, Erika, and three beautiful sons. They are very proud of him!” he wrote. “As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda. He will fight tirelessly to Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Vets, Restore our Economic Power, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”
“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!” Trump concluded.
( @realDonaldTrump – Truth Social Post )
( Donald J. Trump – Feb 20, 2025, 6:12 PM ET )I am hearing that Highly Respected Congressman Byron Donalds is considering running for Governor of Florida, a State that I love, and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
I know Byron well,… pic.twitter.com/CY3w1Lc0Ix
— Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 TRUTH POSTS (@TruthTrumpPosts) February 20, 2025
Donalds happily accepted the endorsement in a post on X, writing: “President Trump is Making America Great Again. I’m committed to working with him to Keep Florida Great. Announcement coming soon!”
President Trump is Making America Great Again.
I'm committed to working with him to Keep Florida Great.
Announcement coming soon! pic.twitter.com/Bimj712vIL
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) February 21, 2025
As the Tennessee Star reported, Donalds is a “two-term congressman representing Florida’s 19th District” who has emerged “as a prominent conservative voice in Washington and is known for his staunch support of Trump’s policies including border security, Second Amendment rights, and economic growth.”
