Rep. Byron Donald (R-FLA.) announced Tuesday that he would run for governor of Florida, becoming the first major candidate to jump into the race.
“I'm here to announce my candidacy as the next governor of Florida,” Donald told Fox News' Sean Hannity.
“We have a great governor. Ron DeSantis has done an incredible job for our state, and now this job keeps the best state in the country as the best state in the country. It's about doing it.
The announcement comes as Florida first lady Casey DeSantis is considering a potential run for the governor's mansion. When asked about the possibility that the First Lady would jump into the Republican primary, Donald said “very early.”
Trump officially supported Donald before jumping into the race last week.
“I'm the only person in this race, so I'll see what happens,” Donald said. “I'm thrilled to get full approval from President Trump. He has a lot of faith in me.”
The announcement comes after Donald told the Florida GOP donor that he planned to start a bid for the Tallahassee Governor's mansion.
Donald has joined the Republican primary as a fierce favorite with President Trump's support, earning a strong lead in early polls.
“Byron Donald will be a truly great and powerful governor for Florida. If he decides to run, he will get my full and full approval. Run, Byron, Run!” Trump said. He said in a post about his true social platform before lawmakers officially launched his campaign.
Donald teased the announcement shortly after Trump's support, writing, “President Trump is making America great again.” I'm committed to working with him to keep Florida amazing. ”
Governor DeSantis, who has an icy relationship with Donald, refused to support lawmakers at a press conference Monday.
“The reality is that we won in Florida, and we need to achieve those wins there,” he said. “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.
Instead, DeSantis spoke his wife as a potential candidate.
“I think she's someone with a fortitude in the gut and a dedication to conservative principles,” DeSantis said of her wife. “Whatever we accomplish, she will be able to take her to the next level.”
Lawmakers represent the state's 19th Congressional District, including Napoli, Florida.
Earlier this month, Trump shared a poll from Florida Republican company victory insights from true social insights showing Donald leads a virtual GOP primary field with 31% support. Lt. Col. Janet Nunez (R) dragged on with 4% support, state agricultural commissioner Wilton Simpson (R) with 3% support, and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez with 1% support.
However, other polls show Casey Desantis, the leading name ID.
A poll published last week by the University of North Florida Polling Institute found that 33% of registered Florida voters have never heard of First Lady, while 66% have said that Donald He replied that he had never heard of it.
In addition to having strong advantages in the Republican primary, Donald will also have an advantage in the 2026 general election. Florida has been the center of the Republican political universe over the past decade, with Republicans earning votes up and down. He benefits in the state under President Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis. Trump scored just 13 points in 2024 after just over three points in 2020. Additionally, traditional Democratic bases, particularly Miami-Dade County, have been turned from blue to red.
