The Battle for Florida: DeSantis, Donalds, and the 2026 Governor’s Race

A Clash of Ambitions: DeSantis and Donalds

The political landscape in Florida is heating up as Governor Ron DeSantis and Representative Byron Donalds engage in a high-stakes game of maneuvers, each vying for the upper hand in the 2026 gubernatorial race. DeSantis, known for his assertive political tactics, has been making strategic calls to state lobbyists, urging them not to support Donalds’ candidacy. This effort is part of a broader strategy to limit Donalds’ ability to raise funds and gain momentum in what could become a fiercely contested Republican primary. Donalds, who has already amassed over $3 million in campaign funds, much of which comes from donors aligned with former President Donald Trump, has quickly emerged as a formidable contender.

Meanwhile, the possibility of Casey DeSantis, the governor’s wife, entering the race adds another layer of complexity to this political drama. Casey has not yet officially announced her candidacy, but her husband has been actively promoting her as a key figure in their administration’s success. This move could set the stage for a historic GOP primary showdown, further intensifying the already simmering rivalry between DeSantis and Trump, who has thrown his weight behind Donalds.

The Pressure Campaign: DeSantis Targets Lobbyists

DeSantis’ political operation has been reportedly reaching out to Tallahassee-based lobbyists, discouraging them from supporting Donalds’ campaign. According to sources familiar with the matter, these calls are not overtly threatening but carry an implicit message, given the governor’s influence over legislative outcomes. Lobbyists, who are currently navigating the state’s legislative session, find themselves in a delicate position. They need DeSantis’ support to pass bills beneficial to their clients, yet many are inclined to back Donalds, who has garnered significant attention and financial backing from Trump’s donor network.

This pressure campaign is not new territory for DeSantis. In the past, he has successfully leveraged similar tactics to advance his political goals, including during the 2024 presidential race, where his former chief of staff organized government staffers to solicit contributions from lobbyists. This time, however, the approach appears more personal and direct, with DeSantis himself and his top aide, Taryn Fenske, making some of the calls. While Fenske has not publicly commented on the matter, the intent behind these outreach efforts is clear: to curtail Donalds’ fundraising capabilities and maintain control over the state’s political dynamics.

The Financial Front: Donalds Builds Momentum

Despite DeSantis’ efforts to slow his progress, Donalds has already demonstrated impressive fundraising prowess. His campaign has raised $3.1 million, with significant contributions coming from prominent Trump donors. Notable supporters include Illinois billionaire Richard Uihlein, who donated $1 million, and Texas-based healthcare executive Clive Fields, who contributed $500,000. Additionally, Deborah Magowan, the widow of former San Francisco Giants owner Peter Magowan, has added $150,000 to Donalds’ war chest. These contributions highlight the strong support Donalds is garnering from within Trump’s political orbit, further solidifying his position as a credible challenger to DeSantis.

Moreover, Donalds has a federal super PAC, Sunshine State Future Fund, which could play a crucial role in his campaign. While the PAC has been relatively inactive so far, it offers a potential avenue for discreet contributions, allowing donors to support Donalds without immediate public disclosure. This could prove advantageous as the race progresses, especially given Florida’s election laws, which permit federal super PACs to transfer funds to state-level political committees. With the next filing deadline for super PACs in April, Donalds may yet receive additional financial boosts.

The Fallout: A Fractured Friendship

The tension between DeSantis and Donalds is rooted in a once-strong political alliance that has since frayed. The two were close allies until Donalds endorsed Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, a move that put him at odds with DeSantis, who was also vying for the nomination. This vocal support for Trump has not only strained their relationship but also underscored the broader proxy war between the two Republican heavyweights. Now, as they potentially face off in the governor’s race, the stakes have never been higher.

Publicly, Donalds has chosen not to directly confront DeSantis, instead focusing on his own campaign and the policies he intends to champion. When asked about DeSantis, he has offered praise for the governor’s performance, suggesting that their rivalry is not yet personal. However, the reality of their situation is far more complex. Should Casey DeSantis enter the race, the dynamics could shift dramatically, turning the primary into a clash of not just ideologies but also personalities and political legacies.

The Legacy Play: Casey DeSantis’ Potential Candidacy

Casey DeSantis’ potential entry into the race adds a deeply personal dimension to the unfolding drama. The governor has gone out of his way to highlight her role in his administration, often framing her as an indispensable partner in their shared conservative agenda. Should she decide to run, it would likely be positioned as a continuation of their joint legacy, with Casey serving as the natural heir to the political movement they have built together.

When asked about her potential candidacy, Casey has remained coy, borrowing a phrase from baseball legend Yogi Berra: "When you come to a fork in the road, take it." While this response was cryptic, it did little to quell speculation about her intentions. Many believe that she is seriously considering a run, particularly given her husband’s increasing efforts to elevate her profile. A gubernatorial bid by Casey would not only extend the DeSantis family’s influence but also ensure that their conservative vision for Florida remains intact, regardless of the outcome of the primary.

The Bigger Picture: A Battle for Republican Supremacy

The developments in Florida are more than just a local political skirmish; they reflect a broader struggle within the Republican Party. The rivalry between DeSantis and Trump, which has been simmering for years, is manifesting in this governor’s race. Trump’s endorsement of Donalds is a clear challenge to DeSantis’ dominance in Florida, while the governor’s aggressive tactics to undermine Donalds’ campaign are a testament to the high stakes involved. As the race progresses, the interplay between these two Republican heavyweights will likely shape not only the future of Florida but also the direction of the party as a whole.

Ultimately, the 2026 Florida governor’s race has the potential to be one of the most consequential and closely watched elections in recent history. With its complex web of alliances, rivalries, and shifting dynamics, it promises to deliver plenty of drama and insight into the evolving landscape of American politics. As the players continue to maneuver, one thing is clear: the road to the governor’s mansion will be fraught with challenges, and only time will tell who will emerge victorious.