Florida Representative Byron Donalds Announces His Candidacy For Governor, Setting the Stage for Elections in 2026
Byron Donalds of Florida’s 19th district congressional, a Republican, has announced that he intends to run for Governor in Florida’s 2026 elections. Tuesday’s announcement signals a change in order among the Republican Party of Florida.
Donalds’ Gubernatorial Bid: Its Significance
Byron Donalds became a prominent supporter for former President Donald Trump. He was still allied to Trump when Ron DeSantis (current Florida governor) entered the Republican presidential primaries in 2024. Donalds’ governorship in Florida could be a major shift, especially if Donalds wins the Republican nomination to run for Florida governor 2026.
The Announcement Details
As reported by, during an appearance with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Congressman Donalds said, “Well, Sean, after much prayer and thought, with my family, my friends, I am here to announce that I will be the next Governor of Florida.” a post mentioning his announcement.
He went on to explain his vision for state. “Now, it’s time to lead the way and take our state forward.” Ron DeSantis, our great governor, has done tremendous work for our state. The job now is to ensure that the state remains the nation’s best. So that will be my mission, and I can’t wait to introduce myself to you tonight.
Donalds had teased his Fox News announcement in X, formerly Twitter. He hinted at a “BIG Announcement” about his political future.
Donalds is an alumni of Florida State University. He lives in Naples. The fact that he has deep roots within the state would be a plus in any statewide election.
Donalds’ support from President Trump was publicly expressed on Truth Social. Trump stated that Donalds “would be a Great and Powerful governor for Florida if he decided to run and will have my Complete Endorsement.” RUN, BYRON, RUN!” Donalds is now a serious contender for the Republican nomination.
Rumors that Casey DeSantis is seriously considering her own run for Florida’s 2026 governorship election adds another level of intrigue. It could set the stage for a dynamic between Republicans.
Donalds announcement: reactions
Evan Power, the Chairman of Florida GOP shared his thoughts on X. The Tea Party Congressman has been working with him since his involvement. @ByronDonalds Has been fighting for conservatives values in Florida. Welcome to the Governor’s race in Florida. I welcome him to the race for Governor of Florida. @FloridaGOP Will be prepared to assist whoever is nominated to keep Florida winning.”
Nikki Fried released a press release as the Chairperson of Florida Democratic Party. Byron Donalds should not be allowed near the governor’s mansion. He is a dangerous political opportunist.
Fried said, “Byron, one of Tallahassee’s least popular politicians, is known for his skipping of votes, defending of insurrectionists, as well as promoting a revisionism version of Black historical that defends Jim Crow. “He has no experience in executive positions and little experience with politics. He is unqualified to lead the state of Florida.”
“Byron’s only interest is power. He won’t solve our insurance problems or reduce the cost of life 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’s strategist Alex Bruesewitz has posted on the X: “Let’s go! @ByronDonalds Just announced that he will run for governor of Florida. He will have the support of all MAGA supporters.”
Donalds tweets after making the announcement. I arrived at the Sunshine State when I was 17 on a Greyhound Bus, with my trunk of clothes in hand and a big dream. The time has come to preserve the state as the nation’s best. “I am very proud to declare my candidacy as the next Governor of Florida.
The 2026 Florida Gubernatorial Election
In Florida, the Republican primaries will be held on August 18, 2026. The general elections are scheduled to take place in November 2026. It is a race that will attract a lot of attention, and could have a significant impact on Florida’s future political direction.