GOP Rep. Byron Donalds officially launched his campaign for Florida governor with a hometown rally, becoming the only major Republican candidate thus far in the 2026 race to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis. Donalds, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, received Trump’s endorsement and has the support of other prominent conservative figures, including Donald Trump Jr. and Charlie Kirk. The campaign event, held in Bonita Springs, is seen as a significant show of force, with Donalds generating momentum and support across the state, both in terms of fundraising and grassroots backing.
There is speculation that Casey DeSantis, the current first lady of Florida, may also enter the gubernatorial race. DeSantis has praised his wife’s accomplishments and hinted at a potential run, leading to increasing interest and support for her candidacy. However, Donalds has been positioning himself as a strong contender in the competition, emphasizing his conservative record and his close ties to Trump. An internal poll conducted for Donalds’ campaign showed him leading Casey DeSantis by single digits in a hypothetical primary contest, with his advantage widening significantly when respondents were informed of Trump’s endorsement.
Florida has become a solidly Republican state in recent years, with DeSantis winning his re-election by a substantial margin and Trump carrying the state by a double-digit lead. As a result, the winner of the Republican gubernatorial primary is likely to be the frontrunner in the general election. Donalds has been careful to maintain a positive relationship with both Gov. Ron DeSantis and his wife, Casey, while also asserting his own vision for the state. He has expressed his admiration for Gov. DeSantis’ leadership while emphasizing the need to continue building on Florida’s successes.
The upcoming fundraising deadline in the governor’s race will provide further insight into Donalds’ campaign momentum, with expectations that he will surpass the amount raised by DeSantis in his initial month as a gubernatorial candidate. Republican strategists in Florida anticipate a strong showing for Donalds, highlighting his potential to establish a solid financial foundation for his campaign. The congressman’s efforts to appeal to both establishment Republicans and Trump supporters suggest a nuanced approach to navigating the competitive primary race.
While there is ongoing speculation about Casey DeSantis potentially entering the race, Donalds is positioning himself as a formidable candidate with widespread support within the GOP. His alignment with Trump and his emphasis on conservative values have resonated with Republican voters in Florida, particularly in the wake of the state’s rightward shift in recent elections. As Donalds formally launches his campaign and outlines his vision for the state’s future, he aims to differentiate himself while also acknowledging the achievements of Gov. DeSantis. The upcoming primary contest will likely showcase the dynamics between these two candidates and their approaches to leading Florida in the years ahead.
