Florida Governor Candidate Byron Donalds Increases Volume for Potential 2026 Run

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., is increasingly vocal about his potential run for Florida governor in 2026, as Gov. Ron DeSantis prepares to leave office.

According to Republican sources, Donalds, a prominent ally and supporter of President-elect Trump in the House of Representatives, has informed potential donors and Florida political players that he plans to run for governor.

Last weekend in Orlando, the Florida GOP held its annual meeting and some of the conversations took place there.

A source with knowledge informed Planet Chronicle that he is serious.

A week ago, another signal emerged when Donald's campaign hired Tony Fabrizio's research firm. Fabrizio was a top pollster for Trump in both the 2016 and 2024 presidential campaigns.

For months, the former state lawmaker who has represented parts of southwest Florida's 19th District in Congress for four years has been considering a potential gubernatorial bid.

In a Planet Chronicle Digital interview last spring, Donalds stated that he had considered the possibility of running for governor and that he kept an open mind about all options.

In 2026, if Donalds ran for Florida governor, he would have "many friends in the race," as suggested by Trump at a closed-door fundraiser in New York City.

""Being considered the state's next governor by people back home in Florida is truly an honor for me. Although it's surreal to think about, I am 45 and my journey through politics has been fruitful. I am humbled by this recognition, but I simply focus on doing my job," Donalds stated."

Wilton Simpson, the former president of the state Senate and a prominent Florida Republican, is believed to be considering a run.

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who was Trump's first choice for attorney general in his second administration before dropping out amid controversy, has expressed interest in running for office.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody was rumored to be considering a run to succeed DeSantis, her ally in Tallahassee, but the governor announced on Thursday that Moody would replace Sen. Marco Rubio, Trump's nominee for secretary of state, who is expected to be one of the president-elect's first Cabinet picks to be confirmed by the Senate.

The front-runner in the upcoming special congressional election to fill Gaetz's seat is Florida's chief financial officer, Jimmy Patronis, who is also believed to be considering a potential gubernatorial campaign.

"If Moody decides to run for governor, Donalds would be the clear favorite over Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, who is the preferred choice of the Tallahassee establishment. However, Fabrizio warned that the Tallahassee establishment may not be as smart after losing badly in 2010 against Rick Scott and in 2018 against Ron DeSantis."

In Florida, a key battleground state that was once a top general election battleground, the gubernatorial race may be decided by whom Trump, the GOP's influential figure in Florida and across the country, ultimately supports.

The possibility of DeSantis endorsing a candidate to succeed him as governor should not be overlooked.