Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) isn’t rushing to lift up Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) as Florida’s next governor despite President Donald Trump’s recent preemptive endorsement of the congressman for 2026. DeSantis expressed doubt that Donalds should be looking at the gubernatorial race and encouraged him to focus on achieving legislative accomplishments with a slim Republican majority.

In Congress, he’s been part of the ultraconservative Tea Party caucus. Highly thought of by Republican colleagues, he won a few votes in early 2023 to become speaker of the Florida House. Following Trump’s lead, Donalds in January introduced a bill to end taxes on tips.

Were Byron Donalds to run for Florida governor, he'd handily beat opponents, according to a poll shared by Trump. What do SWFL residents think?

Who will be Florida's next governor? Several names have been mentioned, but one, Byron Donalds, has President Trump's support.

President Trump has thrown his support behind Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) as Governor Ron DeSantis’ successor in Florida. Should Donalds run, he “will have my Complete and Total Endorsement,” Trump said on social media,

President Donald Trump made clear who he wants as the next Governor of Florida. In a Truth Social post, Trump all but endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds to run as the state’s next chief executive in 2026. Donalds responded by all but announcing his candidacy.

Rep. Byron Donalds teases a possible Florida governor run at CPAC, as he presents the Sunshine State as a model of conservative governance.

President Donald Trump said he would endorse Republican Florida Rep. Byron Donalds to serve as the next governor of Florida

Republicans with political aspirations have been haunted by a devastating possibility. One day, President Donald Trump could publicly endorse a political rival. That nightmare came true on Thursday for the GOPers eyeing the 2026 Florida governor’s race.