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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will not be able to run for re-election in 2026, as governors are only allowed to serve two consecutive terms in Florida.
Therefore, President Donald Trump has given his full endorsement to another potential candidate, and is encouraging Republican Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida to run for the governor’s seat.
Donalds, 46, was first elected to U.S. Congress in November 2020, and was just re-elected to his third term in November. Previously, he served four years in the Florida State House of Representatives, from 2016 – 2020.
In a Truth Social post Thursday evening, Trump wrote:
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.
I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER! Byron has a great wife, Erika, 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. 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.
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!
Donalds responded to Trump’s endorsement, and indicated he is indeed serious about running.
“President Trump is Making America Great Again. I’m committed to working with him to Keep Florida Great. Announcement coming soon!” he wrote.
President Trump is Making America Great Again.
I’m committed to working with him to Keep Florida Great.
Announcement coming soon! pic.twitter.com/Bimj712vIL
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) February 21, 2025
In late January, Victory Polling released a poll showing Donalds clearly in the lead in a potential lineup of candidates for Florida governor.
A new @VictoryPolling survey shows @ByronDonalds far ahead of all other contenders in a hypothetical primary for Florida Governor.
31% – Byron Donalds
4% – Jeanette Nuñez
3% – Wilton Simpson
1% – Francis SuarezRead the full report: https://t.co/2MS9MwKk2o
(850 LV, 1/26-27/25) pic.twitter.com/Jb9dSRCvxc
— Victory Insights (@VictoryPolling) January 29, 2025
President Trump shares poll showing Byron Donalds cleaning up in run for FL governor https://t.co/YvFGhabVi0
— Naples Daily News (@ndn) February 18, 2025
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