President Donald Trump endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) for Florida governor on Tuesday. He praised Donalds for succeeding after “being tested at the highest and most difficult levels.” The president announced his endorsement of Donalds in a Truth Social post on Tuesday afternoon.
“Highly Respected Congressman Byron Donalds is running for Governor of Florida, a State that I love, and WON BIG, in 2016, 2020, and 2024,” Trump said in his post. “I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER!”
The president emphasized that Donalds would help advance the America First political agenda, including border security, illegal immigration issues, and strengthening the military.
“Byron has a great wife, Erika, and three beautiful sons,” Trump said. “They are very proud of him! As Governor, Byron will have a BIG Voice, and work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda. He will fight tirelessly to help Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Veterans, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”
“Byron Donalds will be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement,” Trump said. “HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!”
Donalds is attempting to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has served two terms as governor and is term-limited. The state’s primary election is on August 18. Currently, three other Republican candidates are vying for the GOP gubernatorial nomination: Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, investor James Fishback, and Paul Renner, former speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. In a recent Emerson College poll, Donalds holds a commanding lead over the other candidates, polling at 46%, while the others are in single digits.
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“Byron Donalds is the clear favorite among Republicans to succeed Governor DeSantis,” said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling. “Donalds leads all age groups and holds majority support among voters over 60, at 54%.”
Trump’s post supporting Donalds is at least the second time he has done so. In Feb. 2025, he also posted on Truth Social, encouraging the Republican congressman to run for governor and pledged to give him his full support.
“I am hearing that Highly Respected Congressman Byron Donalds is considering running for Governor of Florida, a State that I love, and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024,” Trump said at the time. “I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER! Byron has a great wife, Erika, and three beautiful sons. They are very proud of him! As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda.”