R-FLA Rep. Byron Donald announced his plans to run for governor of Florida next year in an interview with Fox News on “Hannity” Tuesday night.
The next Florida gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Speaking to host Sean Hannity, Donald said he came to the decision to run after a lot of prayers. [and] Many thoughts with my family and my friends. ”
“Shawn, we're in great condition,” Donald said.
“I arrived in Florida when I was 17. I had a trunk full of clothes from the Greyhound bus, and for the rest of my time in Florida, I built a family, I made a career. I built it. …I was able to serve four years in the state legislature.
“And now, I think it's time to take the mantle and bring our condition into the future.”
A Florida Republican said he was the only candidate in the race so far, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis praised his service to the state.
“We have a great governor. Ron DeSantis has done an incredible job for our state,” Donald said.
“But now, the job is to keep the best state in the country as the best state in the country. And that will be the mission at hand. And I look forward to announce your and my candidacy tonight. I'm doing it.”
Donald was supported by President Donald Trump. President Donald Trump recently wrote that his fellow Sunshine resident would “be a really great and powerful governor for Florida.”
“I have heard that highly respected Congressman Byron Donald is considering running for the governor of Florida in 2016, 2020, 2024, which I love and win,” Trump said. The social media post said.
“[S]Has he decided to run? [Donalds] I have my full and full approval. Run, Byron, Run! ”
However, Desantis has not made any announcement of Donald's support.
On Monday, DeSantis told reporters that Florida lawmakers would “hope they're focused on enactment.” [Trump’s] agenda. “
“They haven't done much yet,” DeSantis said.
“They haven't implemented his executive orders. They'll see what they're doing with their spending, but we're so narrow that we're trying to campaign elsewhere and try to miss these votes. I think they have a majority.
Desantis' comments came amid rumors that his wife, Casey, might run for governor.
The Florida governor declined to question a reporter about his wife's plans at a press conference Monday.
“People always ask me about the amazing first lady who did a great job as Florida's first lady,” replied DeSantis.
“I'll teach you this. You're talking about someone like her. I've won by the biggest margin that Republicans have ever won a governor's race here in Florida. She's It'll do better than I do.”
Danielle Wallace and Paul Steinhauser of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
