Trump endorses Byron Donalds' bid for Florida governor

Governor Ron DeSantis is not able to run in the state's 2026 gubernatorial race, so Florida will have a new person leading their state very soon.

If Donald Trump gets his way, that person will be current Representative Byron Donalds.

Ron DeSantis first became Florida's governor after being elected in 2018. He won reelection by a landslide in 2022.

Per Florida's Constitution, Ron DeSantis will not be able to run in 2026 because he will have already served for two consecutive terms:

No person who has, or but for resignation would have, served as governor or acting governor for more than six years in two consecutive terms shall be elected governor for the succeeding term.

As a result of the governor being term-limited in Florida, the ballot will be filled with fresh names in 2026.

Donald Trump thinks that Byron Donalds should be one of them.

"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 recently posted on social media.

Trump also shared a poll showing Byron Donalds leading a hypothetical competition for Florida Governor.

In the poll, Donalds earned 31% support. Republican Jeannette Nuñez earned 4% and Republican Wilton Simpson earned 3% support.

While Donalds hasn't yet officially announced that he is running the race, The Hill reports that he's told multiple donors in Florida that he plans on joining eventually.

"As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda," Trump added on social media. "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."

Trump even gave Donalds a shoutout at the inaugural parade in January 2025:

"Stand up, Byron! What a future this one has!"