U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., just got a major boost from former President Donald Trump as he looks likely to run for Florida governor. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to call Donalds a “TOTAL WINNER.”
Trump’s endorsement is a big deal as Donalds, along with others, is eyeing a bid for governor. The current governor, Ron DeSantis, is term-limited after serving since 2018, and some reports suggest his wife, Casey DeSantis, might throw her hat in the ring as well. Trump backing Donalds instead of Casey is significant, especially considering his very public feud with Ron DeSantis during the 2024 Republican presidential race. Though DeSantis eventually dropped out and endorsed Trump, their relationship has stayed pretty cold.
On the other hand, Trump’s relationship with Donalds has only gotten stronger. Donalds, who’s made a name for himself in Washington after briefly being nominated for House Speaker, was a major surrogate for Trump’s reelection campaign. The 46-year-old Brooklyn native, who represents Florida’s 19th Congressional District, was particularly focused on reaching out to Black voters, especially Black men.
Back in 2021, as a freshman congressman, Donalds was part of the group of Republicans who voted against certifying the 2020 election results, claiming that President Joe Biden wasn’t the legitimate president. He also traveled to New York with other Republicans to support Trump during his hush money trial last year. Trump’s recognized Donalds for his loyalty by giving him a prime seat next to him at the Republican National Convention—and now, an official endorsement for Florida governor.
Trump posted on Truth Social: “As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda. He will fight tirelessly to Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Vets, Restore our Economic Power, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”
