Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) hinted at a potential run for Florida governor in 2026 during a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Friday, just hours after former President Donald Trump publicly endorsed him for the role.
Donalds, a third-term U.S. House member and former state legislator, told a conservative audience in Maryland to “stay tuned” regarding his political future.
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His comments came after Trump took to Truth Social earlier in the day to voice his support for Donalds, writing, “Donalds would be a truly great and powerful governor for Florida and, should he decide to run, will have my complete and total endorsement. Run, Byron, Run!”
Reflecting on the whirlwind of events, Donalds shared with the CPAC crowd that he’d had “an interesting 12 hours.” Part of that time was spent watching his son play high school basketball, while another portion involved a phone call from Trump to discuss the endorsement.
“I just want to say, Mr. President, thank you, and I will never let you down,” Donalds recounted telling Trump during their conversation. He later teased the audience, saying, “And as for me, stay tuned.”
Donalds also took to X to amplify the speculation, posting that an announcement was “coming soon.” The cryptic message has fueled speculation that the Naples Republican is seriously considering a bid for the governor’s mansion in 2026.
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Donalds, a rising star in the GOP, has often been mentioned as a potential candidate for Florida governor. His conservative credentials, combined with Trump’s endorsement, could position him as a formidable contender in what is expected to be a crowded Republican primary.
Other names floated as potential candidates include state Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, former Congressman Matt Gaetz, and Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis.
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