FORT MYERS, Florida- U.S. Representative Byron Donalds has officially announced his candidacy for the governorship of Florida for the 2026 election.
Donalds, supported by former President Donald Trump, made this announcement on Fox News in an interview with Sean Hannity, aiming to succeed the current governor, Ron DeSantis, whose term is coming to an end.
“I arrived in the Sunshine State at 17 years old on a Greyhound bus, with a trunk full of clothes and a dream,” Donalds posted on X.
“Now is the time to keep the best state in the country as the best state in the country. Tonight, I am proud to announce my candidacy to be the next governor of Florida.”
Meanwhile, there is talk from DeSantis about his wife, Casey DeSantis, possibly entering the race, indicating a potential political rivalry.
Last week, Trump shared a Victory Insights poll showing Donalds leading a hypothetical GOP primary with 31% support, far ahead of competitors like Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez (4%) and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson (3%).
Byron’s graduated from Florida State University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and marketing. Before entering politics, Donalds worked in banking, insurance, and as a financial advisor.
His political career began in 2012 when he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, serving District 80 until 2016. During his tenure, he focused on economic issues and education reform, aligning with conservative principles. In 2020, he won election to the U.S. House of Representatives for Florida’s 19th Congressional District which includes Collier County and Lee County, a seat he still holds.
His rise in politics hasn’t been without controversy—he faced criticism for past traffic violations and a dropped marijuana possession charge from 1997
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