Republican Representative Byron Donalds officially launched his campaign for Florida governor on March 28, 2025, during a rally in Bonita Springs. This event marked the start of his bid for the 2026 election, aiming to succeed current Governor Ron DeSantis, who is term-limited.
With a strong endorsement from former President Donald Trump, Donalds expressed confidence in his campaign, stating, "We’re going to take this to every part of Florida." He emphasized his commitment to working hard and connecting with voters across the state. Donalds, who has represented Florida’s 19th Congressional District for four years, is currently the only major Republican candidate in the race.
During his speech, he addressed a large crowd of supporters, highlighting key issues he plans to tackle, including Florida’s insurance crisis, public education, infrastructure improvements, and environmental restoration efforts in the Everglades. He promised that Florida would continue to be "the best state in America."
Donalds’ campaign kickoff came as speculation swirled around Casey DeSantis, the current first lady, who is also considering a run for governor. When asked about a potential competition with her, Donalds remained focused on his vision for Florida and expressed optimism about his campaign’s direction.
The event drew attention not only for Donalds’ ambitious plans but also for the protests outside the venue, where demonstrators voiced their opposition to his and Trump’s policies. Despite this, Donalds remained undeterred, asserting that he believes Republican voters will support him as the clear choice for governor.
As the campaign unfolds, Donalds is expected to work on building a robust fundraising effort, aiming to surpass the initial fundraising numbers set by DeSantis in his successful 2018 campaign. Donalds is optimistic about his chances, stating, "I think he’s going to show a really strong fundraising number."
With the Florida governor’s race heating up, all eyes will be on how Donalds positions himself against potential challengers and how he connects with voters in the months leading up to the election.