President Donald Trump on Thursday gave Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) his “Complete and Total Endorsement” should he decide to jump into the Florida gubernatorial race next year.
The early signal of support – among the president’s first midterm endorsements – came in the form of a Truth Social post where he called Donalds a “Highly Respected Congressman” who “would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida.”
“I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER!” Trump exclaimed, adding that the MAGA lawmaker has a “great wife” and “three beautiful sons.”
“They are very proud of him! As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda,” Trump, a Florida resident, wrote. “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.”
The presidential endorsement comes as Trump’s ill-fated attorney general nominee, disgraced former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) hinted last year that he would position himself to launch a run at the Florida governor’s mansion.
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Meanwhile, a new opinion poll out this week found Florida’s first lady Casey DeSantis leading among the pack of those speculated to be eyeing the race in 2026, as Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is term-limited.
Trump’s endorsement Thursday made clear that neither his former ally in Congress – whose nomination to be the country's top law enforcement officer was derailed by a cascade of misconduct allegations – nor the current governor’s wife would win the coveted backing.
“RUN, BYRON, RUN!” Trump concluded in his post.
The development came as welcome news to Donalds.
"President Trump is Making America Great Again," Donalds wrote on X in response to the endorsement. "I'm committed to working with him to Keep Florida Great. Announcement coming soon!"
The endorsement also comes as DeSantis appears to try to curry Trump's favor.
Last month, he called on state lawmakers to pass a series of proposals on illegal immigration, aligning with Trump and his administration's policies.