TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Following his announcement Tuesday night on Fox News’ Hannity, several Florida officials endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds for governor.
The announcement came just five days after President Donald Trump endorsed Donalds for the governorship, telling the congressman from Southwest Florida: “RUN, BYRON, RUN!”
“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,” Trump said last week. “I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER!”
State Sen. Randy Fine, who is running to be the next Congressman of District 6, said he “couldn’t be more excited” to see Donalds return to Florida and “take us to the next level.”
.@ByronDonalds and I were elected to the State House in 2016 and for four years led the fight in Tallahassee to transform education in Florida. For the past four years I have marveled at how my classmate took that fight to Washington. I couldn’t be more excited to see him…
— Senator Randy Fine (@VoteRandyFine) February 26, 2025
Former State Rep. Spencer Roach, who served with Donalds in the State House, offered his endorsement.
I was proud to serve with @ByronDonalds in the FL House, I am honored to call him my Congressman, and I can’t wait to see him lead our great state as Florida’s next Governor! https://t.co/au9zcvS58R
— Spencer Roach (@SpencerRoachFL) February 26, 2025
Other words of support shared on X include state Reps. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, Yvette Benarroch, Juan Porras, Berny Jacques, along with Toby Overdorf expressing excitement.
The race for Florida governor could entail a proxy war between Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis, who this week avoided praising Donalds and instead touted his wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis, when asked his thoughts on a Donalds candidacy.
Donalds is 46 years old and represents Florida’s 19th Congressional District.
The representative was first elected to Congress in 2020. Before that, he was a state representative for District 80.
Donalds’ home is Naples, and was originally born in Brooklyn, New York. He is a graduate of Florida State University.
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power commented on the announcement, vowing to support whoever his party nominates to face the Democratic candidate in 2026.
“Since his work with the Tea Party Congressman @ByronDonalds has been fighting for conservative values in Florida,” Power said. “I welcome him to the race for Governor of Florida. The @FloridaGOP will be ready to help whoever wins our nomination to Keep Florida Winning.”
