Rep. Byron Donalds Eyes Florida Governor Race in 2026

ORLANDO, Fla. — Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., is reportedly preparing to run for Florida governor in 2026, according to Republican sources. The conservative lawmaker, who represents Florida’s 19th Congressional District, has been signaling his intentions to potential donors and political players, including at the Florida GOP‘s annual meeting in Orlando last weekend.

“He’s serious,” a source familiar with Donalds’ plans told Fox News. The congressman has also hired Tony Fabrizio, a prominent Republican pollster who worked on former President Donald Trump‘s 2016 and 2024 campaigns, further fueling speculation about his gubernatorial ambitions.

Donalds, 45, has been a vocal supporter of Trump and served as a top surrogate during the 2024 campaign. In a Fox News Digital interview last spring, Donalds acknowledged considering a run for governor. “I’ve thought about it. I don’t really rule anything out,” he said. “It’s really cool that people back home in Florida consider me to be able to be the state’s next governor. It’s really an honor.”

Trump has also weighed in on Donalds’ potential candidacy. At a closed-door fundraiser in New York City, the former president suggested that Donalds would have “many friends in the race” if he decided to run. The race to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to be highly competitive, with several prominent Florida Republicans considering bids.

Among them is state Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, a former president of the Florida Senate. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who was once Trump’s pick for attorney general, has also expressed interest in running. Meanwhile, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, initially thought to be a potential candidate, is now expected to focus on her role in the Senate.

Tony Fabrizio, Donalds’ newly hired pollster, believes the congressman could emerge as the front-runner. “With Moody going to the Senate, should he choose to run for governor, Donalds would be the clear favorite over Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson,” Fabrizio said. “We’ll see if the Tallahassee establishment smartens up after betting and losing badly in 2010 against Rick Scott and in 2018 against Ron DeSantis.”

As Florida continues to solidify its status as a Republican stronghold, the 2026 gubernatorial race may hinge on endorsements from key figures like Trump and DeSantis. Both men wield significant influence in the state, and their support could prove decisive in a crowded field.