The support of President Trump's Rep. Byron Donald (R-FLA.) for the governor of Florida reveals a rift among state Republicans in the states that have become the centre of the GOP universe.
Trump's support is extremely valuable in Florida given his widespread popularity. Donald's public support, who has not yet officially jumped into the race, has led many to ask whether the primary has ended effectively.
But on Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has also played a leading role in the state's GOP victory, but has taken a swiping at Donald and hasn't played a role in the conservative victory in that state. It suggests that. The governor then continued to promote his wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis of Florida, as someone who could record “the next level.”
The development could set the stage for a potentially bruise GOP primary that will resurface tensions that go back to DeSantis's presidential primary against Trump.
DeSantis and Donald fell over a pro-Trump lawmaker in the 2024 Republican presidential primary and fell over state education guidelines set by DeSantis on African American history in 2023.
“This is the bottom line. The governor doesn't want Byron to become the next governor,” said one Florida Republican operative.
Initially, DeSantis had set his sights on then-Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to succeed the state's GOP primary. However, DeSantis slams her to replace Senate Secretary of State Marco Rubio. It looked like it was clearing Donald's field. Donald hasn't jumped into the race, but he told the donor about plans to start a bid.
This has led the governor and first lady to seriously consider the latter potential governor bid.
“She's not in crucially but she's leaning towards coming in,” the operative told the hill, saying the couple had called donors about the possibility.
But Donald's Trump support on Friday rocked the dynamic last week as DeSantis and the First Lady prepared to attend the National Governor's Association dinner on Saturday. Conservative outlet Floridian first reported On Thursday, DeSantis had planned to meet with Trump during a gathering to float the first lady as a candidate. But Trump supported Donald on True Social on Thursday evening.
“Trump's support of Byron Donald will throw the wrench into DeSantis' plan and turn Florida's 2026 GOP primary into the party's future battle,” said Florida-based GOP donor Dan Everhart. . “It's Maga's Muscle vs. DeSantis Dynasty. Florida Republicans now have the option to choose.”
But not all Florida Republicans believe that the governor's race is yet to come into that stage.
“Maga Station in Florida remains DeSantis Station,” said a Florida Republican operative.
Neither Donald nor the first lady jumped into the race, but early voting shows Casey Desantis has an advantage when it comes to name IDs. A poll published last week by the University of North Florida Public Opinion Institute found that 33% of registered Florida voters have never heard of First Lady, while 66% have heard of Donald He replied that there was none.
“You don't know what [Donalds is] It'll be like Executive vs Casey DeSantis. It will continue to be a continuation of Ron DeSantis' legacy,” the operative said.
Former broadcast journalist Casey DeSantis has played a major role in her husband's campaign, including her run to President. The experience certainly boosted her name ID, but other Republicans say it may not be enough to overwhelm Trump's support.
“Whether you support the governor's candidate for emphasis on the president who scored Florida more than 10 points, or anything else, that's what he's like to emphasize, that it's earthquakes and thunder in Florida politics, or I'll move Endrus forward,” Strategist.
“It's a question mark because it's hard to know how people, individuals, perform for the first time as candidates,” he said. “She clearly has no intention of receiving support from Trump.”
Safee pointed to the impact of Trump's support at GOP Governor Primary in 2018. He threw his support behind Ron DeSantis, who defeated then rising star and state agriculture commissioner Adam Putnam to Governor.
But some argue that Trump's approval record in Florida is not perfect. Last year, Desantis opposed a voting measure known as Amendment 3. This has legalized state recreational marijuana. Trump approved the measure but failed in November. Additionally, Trump's pick David Scholl in the Republican primary for Florida's 7th Senate District, was defeated by DeSantis pick Tom Leake, who now represents the district.
Donald said he was “honored to have the full and full support of President Trump.” Donald told Hill Friday he never told DeSantis about the expected governor's run, but he said “we know we're going to do that.” When asked if DeSantis would support him, Donald said, “That's too early.”
DeSantis gained a more offensive tone when asked Monday if he would support Donald in Tampa.
“People see that and say you have a guy like Byron. He wasn't part of the victory we've been here this past year. He's part of that. It wasn't. He's campaigning in other states, and that's fine, but it's fine. Then it's going to bring out the results there,” the governor said.
Despite the differences in candidates, Desantis proves he is willing to be in Rockstep with Trump on policy. DeSantis announced on Monday that the Florida Department of Government Efficiency Task Force was launched, taking clues from the Trump administration. And earlier this month, DeSantis signed an immigration law aimed at supporting Trump on the issue.
“I think the beef is being played a bit too much with one hand. Ford O'Connell, a Florida Republican strategist, said: “It's support that they disagree.”
