Trump Pushes a Rising Star to Enter Florida’s Governor Race, “Complete and Total Endorsement”

President Donald Trump has made it abundantly clear who he wants to see take the reins in Florida once Gov. Ron DeSantis’ term ends.

In a fiery social media post, Trump threw his full weight behind Rep. Byron Donalds, encouraging the congressman to step up and run for governor in 2026, as reported by Fox News.

“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. He would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida.”

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Trump didn’t stop there. The former president, who has long praised Donalds as a loyal ally, made it clear that if Donalds enters the race, he will have Trump’s “Complete and Total Endorsement.” The post ended with an unmistakable push: “RUN, BYRON, RUN!”

🚨President Trump on Byron Donalds potentially running for Governor of Florida: pic.twitter.com/yJ6Lk5pKvT

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 20, 2025

Donalds, a staunch conservative and former state lawmaker, has represented Florida’s 19th Congressional District for four years. His name has been floating in political circles for months as a potential contender for the governor’s mansion.

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In a Fox News Digital interview last spring, he admitted he was considering a bid. “I’ve thought about it. I don’t really rule anything out,” he said at the time.

Behind the scenes, Donalds has been laying the groundwork for a serious run. Sources confirmed last month that he has been informing donors and key Republican figures in Florida about his intentions.

Adding fuel to the speculation, he recently brought on Tony Fabrizio’s research firm—a move that suggests he’s gathering critical polling data. Fabrizio, a top Republican strategist, played a pivotal role in Trump’s 2016 and 2024 campaigns.

Shortly after Trump’s endorsement, Donalds responded on X, formerly known as Twitter, with a message that only heightened the anticipation.

“President Trump is Making America Great Again. I’m committed to working with him to Keep Florida Great. Announcement coming soon!”

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

Donalds’ pursuit of Trump’s endorsement signals his strategic move to solidify support early and potentially clear the field of major challengers.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, a former state Senate president, has been eyeing a run as well, but Trump’s backing of Donalds may force him to reconsider.

Meanwhile, rumors have swirled that Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis could enter the race, though Trump’s strong endorsement may curb that speculation.

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz had previously hinted at a gubernatorial bid but has been largely absent from recent discussions. Trump’s influence in Florida’s political landscape is undeniable, and his endorsement could dramatically shape the race before it even officially begins.

Republican donor and oil drilling executive Dan Eberhart, who has ties to both Trump and DeSantis, said that if Donalds runs, he will “bring a fresh conservative vision for Florida’s future that will be hard to beat.”

Trump has been hyping up Donalds for over a year. Last spring, at a closed-door fundraiser in New York City, he floated the idea that Donalds would have “many friends in the race.”

And just days before his latest endorsement, Trump posted a screenshot of a poll showing Donalds leading in a hypothetical GOP primary matchup.

With Florida now a solid red state, whoever wins the Republican nomination will be the favorite to take the governor’s seat. If Donalds does jump in, he’ll be doing so with the backing of the most influential figure in conservative politics—Donald Trump.

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