Rep. Byron Donald (R-FL) is gaining traction in Florida’s virtual governor primary, thanks in part to backing from President Donald Trump, according to the James Madison Institute.
Donald announced his gubernatorial intentions in February, and Trump quickly voiced his support. At the same time, speculation about Casey DeSantis, the wife of Governor Ron DeSantis, has been circulating.
“Well, I’d say one thing. To quote the late, great Yogi Berra: When you come to a fork in the road, take it,” remarked the Florida First Lady when asked about her plans.
But Donald seems undeterred.
“As for other candidates, I’m not waiting for anyone,” he expressed in an interview with CBN News.
“I have the backing of President Trump, Senator Rick Scott, and most of the Republican Congressional delegation. We’re gaining momentum daily,” he added.
Clearly, Trump’s endorsement carries significant weight so early in the contest.
A recent James Madison Institute poll indicated that DeSantis led by six points in the primary. However, that margin narrowed by just one point from May’s figures. Notably, when Republican voters learned of Trump’s support for Donald over Casey DeSantis, Donald surged ahead with 44% support compared to DeSantis’s 25%.
Data suggests that half of Republican voters were initially unaware of Trump’s endorsement of Donald, compared to 38% who were informed about it.
“In an April 2025 survey, 62% of Republicans indicated that Trump’s approval would make them more likely to back a candidate,” the results showed.
Trump’s backing of Donald came quite early in the process.
“I’ve heard that the esteemed Rep. Byron Donald is thinking of running for governor of Florida — a man I admire who achieved major victories in 2016, 2020, and 2024,” Trump stated in a Truth Social post on February 20, calling him a “Total Winner.”
“I know Byron well; I’ve seen him rise to challenges and emerge victorious. He’s a true winner! Byron has a wonderful wife, Erica, and three beautiful sons who are immensely proud of him. As governor, he will be a powerful advocate working alongside me to push America-first policies, securing our borders, tackling immigrant crime, strengthening our military, and upholding the Second Amendment.”
“If Byron decides to run, he will have my unequivocal support,” Trump assured.
