Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday praised First Lady Casey DeSantis’s conservative credentials while raising questions about Congressman Byron Donalds’ record as speculation grows over potential candidates for the 2026 gubernatorial race. Neither Casey DeSantis nor Donalds has announced plans to run, but both are frequently mentioned as possible contenders.
During an appearance in Tampa, DeSantis highlighted his wife’s political acumen and conservative values, suggesting she would have outperformed him in the 2022 gubernatorial election, where he won by the largest margin in Florida history for a Republican governor. “There’s no question she would have done even better,” DeSantis said.
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DeSantis also took aim at Congressman Byron Donalds, a Naples Republican who received a glowing endorsement from former President Donald Trump last week. Trump posted on Truth Social that Donalds “would be a truly great and powerful governor for Florida” and promised his “complete and total endorsement” if Donalds decides to run.
However, DeSantis questioned Donalds’ effectiveness in Congress, particularly his absence during key votes. “With the GOP holding a narrow advantage in the House, trying to campaign other places and missing these votes, I think, is not something that’s advisable at all,” DeSantis said.
The governor also contrasted Donalds’ record with his own achievements in Florida. “The reality is we’ve achieved victories in Florida. We need to start achieving those victories up there,” DeSantis said. “People look at it and say, ‘You know, you’ve got a guy like Byron, he just hasn’t been a part of any of the victories that we’ve had here over the left, over these last years.’ He’s just not been a part of it. He’s been in other states campaigning, doing that, and that’s fine. But deliver results up there.”
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Donalds, who appeared at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland on Friday, remained coy about his potential gubernatorial bid. When asked about a possible run, he told the crowd to “stay tuned,” fueling speculation about his political ambitions.
Donalds, a rising star in the Republican Party, has been a vocal supporter of Trump and has built a national profile through frequent media appearances and campaign stops outside Florida. His alignment with Trump could make him a formidable candidate in a GOP primary, but DeSantis’ comments suggest a potential rift between the two Florida Republicans.
While Casey DeSantis has not announced any plans to run for office, her husband’s remarks underscore her growing influence in Florida politics. As first lady, she has been a key figure in the DeSantis administration, spearheading initiatives on education, mental health, and disaster relief. Her popularity among conservative voters could make her a strong candidate if she chooses to enter the race.
READ: Rep. Byron Donalds Teases Florida Gubernatorial Run At CPAC Following Trump Endorsement
DeSantis, who resigned from Congress in 2018 to focus on his gubernatorial campaign, has built a legacy as one of Florida’s most consequential governors. His administration has championed conservative policies on education, immigration, and COVID-19, earning him national recognition and a loyal base of supporters.
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