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President Donald Trump encouraged Florida Republican Rep. Byron Donalds on Thursday to run for the governor of Florida in 2026.
Trump shared the words of support in a Truth Social post highlighting his conservative record.
“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 wrote.
“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,” he continued.
Trump said that Donalds would have his “total endorsement” if he does choose to run for governor.
“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!” he concluded.
Donalds later responded in a post on X that thanked Trump but did not respond whether he would run for the role.
“President Trump is Making America Great Again,” Donalds wrote.
“I’m committed to working with him to Keep Florida Great,” he added. “Announcement coming soon!”
Current Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is term-limited and will be unable to run again in 2026.
Fox News reported that sources confirmed last month that Donalds “had been telling potential donors and Florida political players that he intends to run for governor.”
The report added, “Donalds hired prominent Republican pollster Tony Fabrizio’s research firm” last month, adding, “Fabrizio was a top pollster in Trump’s 2016 and 2024 presidential campaigns.”
One other early potential candidate receiving attention is Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis. She garnered the highest favorability rating in a recent UNF poll of candidates, ahead of Donalds and others.
