Staff Reports
Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a high-stakes battle, with Congressman Byron Donalds officially entering the race to succeed Governor Ron DeSantis. Donalds, a Republican from Naples, launched his campaign with the coveted endorsement of former President Donald Trump, positioning himself as the leading contender in a state that has become a stronghold for conservative politics. If elected, Donalds would make history as Florida’s first Black governor, a milestone that underscores his rising prominence within the GOP.
Donalds’ announcement highlights his commitment to continuing Florida’s conservative trajectory under DeSantis, whom he praised for transforming the state into a model of freedom and prosperity. Speaking on Fox News, Donalds emphasized his focus on key issues such as lowering insurance costs, promoting cryptocurrency as part of Florida’s economic framework, and preserving the Everglades. His campaign also promises to prioritize education reform and parental rights, building on his record as a staunch advocate for school choice during his time in the Florida legislature.
However, the race may not be an uncontested coronation. Casey DeSantis, Florida’s First Lady and a close advisor to Governor DeSantis, is reportedly considering her own bid for the governor’s mansion. Governor DeSantis has publicly praised his wife’s qualifications and suggested she could elevate his conservative legacy even further. While Casey DeSantis has not officially declared her candidacy, her potential entry into the race could set up a dramatic showdown between two prominent Republican figures with competing visions for Florida’s future.
The Trump endorsement gives Donalds a significant advantage in the GOP primary, as Trump remains an influential figure in Florida politics. Donalds has been a loyal ally to Trump since 2016 and served as one of his most visible surrogates during the 2024 presidential campaign. This alliance could consolidate support among MAGA voters and deter other challengers from entering the race. However, Governor DeSantis’ subtle critiques of Donalds’ political record suggest that tensions between Trump-aligned Republicans and DeSantis loyalists could play a pivotal role in shaping the primary.
As the race heats up, Donalds faces the challenge of balancing his congressional duties with his gubernatorial ambitions. He has vowed to remain focused on serving Floridians in Washington while campaigning to lead the state. With Florida firmly established as a Republican stronghold, the eventual GOP nominee will likely enter the general election as the favorite. For now, all eyes are on this brewing contest between Donalds’ Trump-backed campaign and the looming possibility of Casey DeSantis entering the fray—a dynamic that promises to make Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race one of the most closely watched in recent memory.
