February 26, 2025 Story by: Publisher
Byron Donalds, a Republican U.S. Representative from Florida, has officially announced his run for governor of the Sunshine State. This move comes after serving four years in the state legislature and four years in Congress, representing Florida’s 19th congressional district, which includes the cities of Fort Myers and Naples.
Donalds, a three-term congressman, expressed his desire to take on the new challenge, stating that he believes it’s time for him to “take the mantle and lead our state into the future.” His announcement was met with enthusiasm from former President Donald Trump, who endorsed Donalds just days before his official announcement.
Trump praised Donalds, calling him a “TOTAL WINNER” and expressing his confidence in Donalds’ ability to advance his agenda, including protecting the U.S. border and defending the Second Amendment.
Donalds’ decision to run for governor comes as Florida prepares to elect a new governor in 2026, due to the state’s term limits. Incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis is currently serving his second term and will be leaving office.
Other potential candidates who have expressed interest in running for governor include Casey DeSantis, the wife of Governor Ron DeSantis, and former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz.
The Democratic field is also expected to be competitive, with several candidates already announcing their intentions to run.
The Florida governor’s race is expected to be one of the most closely watched and highly contested in the country in 2026.
About Byron Donalds
Byron Donalds is a Republican U.S. Representative from Florida’s 19th congressional district. He was born on October 28, 1978, in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to Florida with his family at a young age.
Donalds earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida State University and worked in the financial industry before entering politics.
He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016 and served two terms before being elected to Congress in 2020.
Source: Politico
