Former President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Congressman Byron Donalds in the upcoming 2026 race to become Florida's governor.

Trump made his endorsement public via a social media post on Thursday, expressing his enthusiastic support for Donalds, who currently represents southwest Florida's 19th District, as Fox News reports.

Known for his strong alignment with Trump's vision, Donalds has served in the U.S. House for four years and is seen as a rising star in Florida politics. This announcement follows weeks of speculation regarding Donalds's political future and his consideration of a run for governor.

Donalds has been actively engaging with potential donors and political figures in Florida to gauge support for his possible campaign.

His recent hiring of Tony Fabrizio's research firm signals a serious consideration of entering the gubernatorial race, indicating he is laying the groundwork for a potential campaign.

Trump's Influence Expected to Shape Race

Donald's decision to potentially run comes at a significant time in Florida politics. The state, once a battleground, has been shifting toward a Republican stronghold, making the GOP primary winner a likely front-runner in the general election. Trump's endorsement, therefore, carries substantial weight and could be a deciding factor in the race for governor.

In his social media post, Trump praised Donalds, calling him a "Highly Respected Congressman" and describing him as "a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida." This public backing could provide a considerable boost for Donalds as he contemplates announcing his candidacy.

Responding to Trump's support, Donalds expressed gratitude and alignment with Trump's goals. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Donalds stated, "It’s really cool that people back home in Florida consider me to be able to be the state’s next governor. It’s an honor." On social media, he acknowledged Trump's role in "Making America Great Again" and hinted at an upcoming "announcement."

Potential Candidates Eye Florida's Governorship

If Donalds enters the race, he will potentially face competition from other prominent figures in Florida politics. Among those considered as likely candidates are Florida state Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and former Rep. Matt Gaetz. Both have significant political followings and could provide stiff competition.

Additionally, there has been ongoing speculation about Florida first lady Casey DeSantis possibly entering the gubernatorial race.

Her candidacy would add another dynamic element to an already crowded field, given her high-profile role as the current state first lady.

Political strategist Dan Eberhart has praised Donalds's potential gubernatorial bid, stating that he "would bring a fresh conservative vision for Florida's future that will be hard to beat."

This sentiment echoes broader support within the Republican Party as Donalds continues to lay the groundwork for a potential candidacy.

Florida Sees Shift to the Right

Florida's transformation into a predominantly Republican state sets the stage for a crucial election cycle, with the governorship seen as pivotal for maintaining GOP influence.

With Trump's endorsement, Donalds is positioned to potentially become a leading figure in sustaining Republican dominance in Florida.

While Donalds's campaign is not yet official, all signs point toward an eventual announcement. His engagement with key political and financial backers signals a readiness to step into the gubernatorial race and possibly face a diverse pool of contenders.

Regardless of when Donalds announces his decision, Trump's endorsement has drawn significant attention to his potential candidacy, changing the dynamics of Florida's political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections.

As the race unfolds, the impact of this endorsement will be closely watched by political analysts and Florida voters.