Byron Donalds Announces Bid for Florida Governor in 2026

A Rising Star with a Vision for Florida’s Future

In a move that has garnered significant attention in political circles, U.S. Representative Byron Donalds has officially announced his candidacy for Governor of Florida in 2026. This announcement positions him as a potential successor to the current governor, Ron DeSantis, who will be term-limited after serving eight years in office. Donalds, a Republican from Naples, has wasted no time in laying out his vision for the future of Florida, a state that has increasingly leaned Republican in recent years. If elected, Donalds would make history as the first Black governor of Florida, a milestone that could have profound implications for the state and the nation.

The announcement comes on the heels of a critical endorsement from former President Donald Trump, a move that could significantly influence the Republican primary landscape. Given Trump’s enduring influence within the Republican Party, this endorsement may serve to consolidate support behind Donalds, potentially clearing the field of other contenders. For now, however, the focus remains on Donalds’ qualifications, his political track record, and his vision for Florida’s future.

A Staunch Trump Ally with a Conservative Track Record

Byron Donalds has long been recognized as a steadfast ally of former President Donald Trump, a relationship that has been a defining feature of his political career. He was one of Trump’s earliest and most loyal supporters, even speaking at a Trump rally in September 2016, during the height of the presidential campaign. This loyalty was further evident in 2020 when Donalds joined 146 other Republicans in objecting to the election results from key swing states, a move that drew sharp criticism from Democrats and some Republicans alike. Despite the lack of evidence to support claims of election fraud, Donalds remained a vocal advocate for Trump’s position, questioning the legitimacy of Joe Biden’s presidency.

Donalds’ alignment with Trump extends beyond his loyalty during the 2020 election. He is a member of the conservative Tea Party caucus in Congress and has been a vocal advocate for many of the policies championed by Trump during his presidency. His conservative credentials were further bolstered when he was nominated for House Speaker multiple times in 2023, both during the initial election of Kevin McCarthy and again when McCarthy was ousted from the position. These nominations underscored his standing within the Republican caucus and his reputation as a reliable conservative voice.

In addition to his work in Congress, Donalds has been a key surrogate for Trump, traveling the country to campaign on his behalf. This role has sometimes put him at odds with his own governor, Ron DeSantis, particularly during the 2024 presidential election. Despite DeSantis’ own presidential aspirations, Donalds chose to endorse Trump, a decision that has likely strained his relationship with the governor but has solidified his position within the Trump wing of the Republican Party.

A Complex Past and a Path to Redemption

While Byron Donalds’ political career has been marked by significant achievements, his past is not without its challenges. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Donalds has often spoken about the influence of his hardworking single mother, who he credits with instilling in him the values of hard work and determination. These values, he says, have guided him throughout his life, including during times of personal struggle.

In 1996, Donalds moved to Florida to attend Florida A&M University. During his time at the university, he faced legal troubles, including an arrest in 1997 for misdemeanor marijuana possession. The charge was later dismissed, and Donalds has since spoken about the incident as a youthful mistake. In 2000, he faced another legal challenge when he was charged with bribery by the state of Florida. Donalds has maintained that the charge stemmed from a bad check he deposited during a period of financial difficulty. This record has since been expunged, and Donalds has used the experience as a testament to his resilience and determination to overcome adversity.

Despite these challenges, Donalds went on to graduate from Florida State University in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing. His entry into politics came in 2016 when he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives. During his time in the state legislature, he became a champion of school choice and criminal justice reform, issues that remain central to his political platform today.

Donalds’ wife, Erika, has also been a prominent figure in Florida politics. She was elected to the local school board in 2014 and founded the Optima Foundation in 2017, an organization dedicated to supporting the creation of new schools and advocating for charter schools. Earlier this year, she joined the America First Policy Institute, where she chairs the Center for Education Opportunity, further solidifying the couple’s reputation as champions of parental choice in education.

Navigating a Rocky Relationship with Governor DeSantis

As Byron Donalds prepares to run for governor, he does so against the backdrop of a complex and often strained relationship with the current governor, Ron DeSantis. Once political allies, the two men have seen their relationship sour in recent years, particularly as DeSantis’ own presidential ambitions have come into focus.

One of the key points of contention between Donalds and DeSantis has been the governor’s handling of education policy. In 2023, DeSantis faced backlash for his support of new statewide education standards that included teachings about the benefits of slavery for enslaved people. Donalds, while generally supportive of DeSantis’ education policies, publicly criticized this particular aspect of the standards, calling it "wrong" and in need of adjustment. This stance placed him at odds with the governor, who had been a key political ally in the past.

The relationship between the two men further deteriorated in 2023 when DeSantis accused Donalds of aligning himself with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat. DeSantis called on Donalds to "stand up for your state," a rebuke that underscored the growing tensions between the two Republicans.

Despite these tensions, Donalds has continued to praise DeSantis, calling him a "great governor" and acknowledging his many accomplishments in office. However, Donalds has also made it clear that he believes it is time to look to the future and to focus on the challenges that lie ahead for Florida. As he put it, "Now, the job is to keep the best state in the country as the best state in the country." This rhetoric suggests that Donalds sees himself as the next leader capable of building on DeSantis’ legacy while charting a new course for the state.

A Historic Candidacy and a Vision for the Future

Byron Donalds’ candidacy for governor is not only significant for its political implications but also for its historical potential. If elected, he would become the first Black governor of Florida, a milestone that could have far-reaching consequences for the state and the nation. Donalds’ candidacy comes at a time when issues of race, representation, and equity are at the forefront of political discourse, and his election could serve as a powerful symbol of progress in a state with a complex and often fraught racial history.

Donalds’ historic candidacy is not just about breaking barriers; it is also about the policies and ideas he brings to the table. As a staunch conservative, he has been a vocal advocate for limited government, lower taxes, and a strong emphasis on individual freedom. These principles have guided his work in Congress and will likely form the foundation of his gubernatorial platform.

In addition to his policy positions, Donalds’ personal story of overcoming adversity and achieving success despite the challenges he has faced could serve as a powerful inspiration to many Floridians. His narrative of resilience, determination, and faith could resonate particularly strongly in a state as diverse and complex as Florida.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Florida

Byron Donalds’ announcement that he will run for governor of Florida in 2026 marks the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s political history. With his strong conservative credentials, his loyal support for Donald Trump, and his historic potential to become the first Black governor of Florida, Donalds is poised to make a significant impact on the state’s political landscape.

As the campaign unfolds, Floridians will have the opportunity to learn more about Donalds’ vision for the future and his plans for addressing the challenges the state faces. Whether he is successful in his bid for governor or not, Byron Donalds has already made a lasting impression on Florida politics, and his candidacy represents a decisive shift in the direction of the Republican Party in the Sunshine State.

In the end, Donalds’ candidacy is not just about him; it is about the future of Florida and the kind of leadership that will guide the state in the years to come. As he often says, "The job is to keep the best state in the country as the best state in the country." For Byron Donalds, that job begins now.