The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has made his position clear regarding the Florida gubernatorial elections in 2026, with strong support for the potential candidacy of Congressman Byron Donalds.
This support not only redefines the political landscape in the state but could also have significant implications for the future of the Republican Party.
Through a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his unconditional support for Donalds, highlighting his personal qualities and his potential as a state leader.
"I am hearing that the highly respected Congressman Byron Donalds is considering running for governor of Florida, a state that I love and that WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024. I know Byron well; I have seen him tested at the highest and most challenging levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER! Byron has a wonderful wife, Erika, and three beautiful children," wrote the president.
In his message, Trump not only praised Donalds' political career, but also outlined a series of commitments that, according to him, the congressman would undertake as governor.
"As governor, Byron would have a STRONG voice and would work closely with me to promote our America First agenda. He will tirelessly fight to secure our border, stop migrant crime, strengthen our military, protect our veterans, restore our economic power, promote American ENERGY DOMINANCE, and defend our ever-besieged Second Amendment," he added.
Finally, Trump concluded his message with a direct call to Donalds.
"Byron Donalds would be a truly great and powerful governor for Florida, and if he decides to run, he will have my full and complete support. RUN, BYRON, RUN!" he concluded.
Is Byron Donalds preparing for the electoral race?
Although he has not officially announced his candidacy yet, Byron Donalds has been seriously considering the possibility of running.
"President Trump is making America great again. I am committed to working with him to keep Florida great. I will make an announcement soon!", wrote Donalds on X in response to Trump’s public support.
The congressman, who has represented parts of Florida's 19th District in Congress for four years, previously acknowledged in an interview with Fox News Digital: "I've thought about it. I'm really not ruling anything out." Sources close to Donalds' political circle recently confirmed that the congressman has been in discussions with donors and key figures in the Republican Party in Florida, suggesting that his candidacy is imminent.
Additionally, he hired the research firm of prominent pollster Tony Fabrizio, known for his work on Trump's presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2024.
Potential rivals in the Republican contest
The contest for the succession of the current governor Ron DeSantis, whose term is limited, promises to be fierce.
Although Trump's backing gives Donalds a significant advantage, other prominent Republicans could also join the race:
-Wilton Simpson: Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture and former president of the state Senate, who has raised millions for his political committees.
-Casey DeSantis: The wife of the current governor, she has been mentioned in recent polls as a possible favorite in the race.
-Matt Gaetz: Former state representative from Florida, who was previously considered by Trump as a candidate for attorney general, although in recent weeks there have been no clear signs of his involvement in the race.
According to Republican businessman and donor Dan Eberhart, Donalds could bring a "new conservative vision for Florida's future that will be hard to surpass," highlighting his alignment with Trump's agenda.
The impact of Trump's endorsement in the gubernatorial race
Trump's support carries significant weight within Republican ranks, especially in a state like Florida, where the president has achieved decisive victories in the elections of 2016, 2020, and 2024.
Trump's post in support of Donalds could deter other potential candidates, including Casey DeSantis and Wilton Simpson, from launching their campaigns.
"It's truly great that people in Florida consider me as the next governor of the state. It is really an honor. It's really surreal to think about it because I am 45 years old and my journey in politics has been quite fruitful," expressed Donalds.
Florida, once considered an electoral battleground, has solidified as a Republican stronghold. The eventual winner of the party's primary will be seen as the favorite for the governorship in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Endorsement of Byron Donalds for Governor of Florida
Why does Donald Trump support Byron Donalds for the governorship of Florida?
Donald Trump supports Byron Donalds due to his alignment with the "America First" agenda and his potential to lead the state of Florida. Trump has highlighted Donalds' personal qualities and political background, stating that he would work closely with him to promote key policies such as border security and strengthening the military.
What impact could Trump's endorsement have on Byron Donalds' candidacy?
Trump's backing could give Byron Donalds a significant advantage in Florida's Republican primaries. Trump has had strong support in the state, winning in several recent elections. His influence could deter other potential candidates from running and solidify Donalds as the favorite for the governorship in 2026.
Who are the potential rivals of Byron Donalds for the governorship of Florida?
Byron Donalds could face rivals such as Wilton Simpson and Casey DeSantis in the Republican contest. Wilton Simpson is the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and has raised significant funds for his political committees. Casey DeSantis, the wife of the current governor, has been mentioned as a possible candidate, although her participation is not officially confirmed.
What has Byron Donalds said about his potential candidacy for governor?
Byron Donalds has expressed that he is seriously considering the possibility of running for the governorship of Florida. In response to Trump's public support, Donalds stated that he will make an official announcement soon. He has also been in discussions with donors and key figures in the Republican Party in the state, indicating that his candidacy may be imminent.
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