President Donald Trump threw his weight behind a potential gubernatorial run by Florida U.S. Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL-19) Thursday, signaling strong support for the Republican rising star in what could shape up to be a high-profile 2026 race. In a fairly lengthy statement posted on TruthSocial, Trump praised Donalds as a “TOTAL WINNER” and offered his “Complete and Total Endorsement” should the congressman decide to vie for the governor’s mansion in Tallahassee.
Donalds quickly embraced Trump’s support, posting on X, “President Trump is Making America Great Again. I’m committed to working with him to Keep Florida Great. Announcement coming soon!” The congressman’s swift response underscores his alignment with Trump, fueling speculation that he may indeed heed the president’s call to run for governor in the Sunshine State.
Trump, who maintains significant influence within the Republican Party following his victories in Florida during the 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential elections, said Donalds is a tested leader with the potential to be a “Great and Powerful Governor.” The president highlighted their close relationship, noting that Donalds would work alongside him to advance the “America First Agenda” if elected.
“I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels,” Trump wrote. “As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice.”
Donalds is a two-term congressman representing Florida’s 19th District. The former financial professional and state representative 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 — priorities Trump emphasized in his endorsement. The president also touted Donalds’ personal life, calling his wife, Erika, “great” and noting the couple’s three sons, who he said are “very proud” of their father.
While Donalds has not officially announced his candidacy, Trump’s enthusiastic call to “RUN, BYRON, RUN!” may pressure the 46-year-old lawmaker to make a decision sooner rather than later. Political analysts suggest that an early endorsement from Trump could clear the field of potential challengers in the Republican primary, given the president’s outsized influence in the party.
While his alignment with Trump’s agenda and his vocal presence in conservative media have made him a favorite among the GOP’s grassroots supporters, a gubernatorial campaign would pit Donalds against other ambitious Florida Republicans eyeing the state’s top job, setting the stage for a competitive primary if he jumps into the race.
The Republican field remains wide open, with potential candidates like former Representative Matt Gaetz, and newly-appointed Senator and former Attorney General Ashley Moody among those rumored to be considering bids. As of press time, none have officially entered the contest.
On the Democratic side, early speculation points to figures like former Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), and State Rep. Fentrice Driskell as possible contenders, though the party faces an uphill battle in a state dominated by Republicans in recent election cycles.
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Christina Botteri is the Executive Editor of The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow her on X at @christinakb.
Photo “Rep Byron Donalds” by Gage Skidmore CC2.0.
I wish Byron Donalds was U.S. House Speaker.