Special Poll
Donald Trump’s latest endorsement may have just reshaped the Florida governor’s race before it even began. In a social media post, Trump threw his support behind Congressman Byron Donalds, a move that immediately sent shockwaves through Florida’s political landscape.
For many, the endorsement signaled the end of speculation about other potential candidates. One donor and supporter of Ron DeSantis reacted by texting, “Looks like that’s that,” acknowledging the significant impact of Trump’s influence. Donalds responded to the endorsement about an hour later with a post of his own, hinting that he will officially enter the race soon. He expressed his commitment to working with Trump to “Keep Florida Great” and promised an upcoming announcement.
Trump’s post may not only solidify Donalds’ position but could also deter other possible contenders. Some had speculated that Casey DeSantis, the wife of the current governor, might run, but Trump’s endorsement may put an end to that discussion. Wilton Simpson, the state’s agriculture commissioner, who had been considering a run, may now opt to seek re-election instead. Simpson has already raised millions for his political committees, funds that could have been used in a gubernatorial bid.
Former Representative Matt Gaetz, who had briefly considered running for attorney general before shifting his focus to the governor’s race, acknowledged the significance of Trump’s backing. “That’s a big boost for Byron,” Gaetz said in a text message. Trump had hinted at his preference earlier in the week by sharing a poll that showed Donalds leading among potential candidates. While the poll did not compare Donalds to Casey DeSantis, another survey from the University of North Florida found that her favorability ratings were twice as high as his.
Trump formally endorsed Donalds before speaking at the Republican Governors Association’s annual meeting in Washington. His previous endorsement of Ron DeSantis in 2018 came late in the primary but was crucial in elevating DeSantis from a relatively unknown congressman to Florida’s next governor. However, their relationship soured when DeSantis challenged Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, a move Trump later said he regretted supporting in the first place. Despite that, the two appear to have patched things up.
With Trump’s backing, Donalds now has a major advantage in what could have been a competitive primary. His endorsement carries significant weight in Florida, and for many in the Republican Party, it may be enough to clear the field.