Rep. Byron Donalds Running for Florida Governor in 2026

Rep. Byron Donalds (FL-19) has entered the 2026 race for governor of Florida. He will look to succeed fellow Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is ineligible to run due to term limit laws. 

Donalds revealed his plans during an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox Tuesday night.

The decision is unsurprising, coming days after President Donald Trump posted on his social network that Donalds would have his "Complete and Total Endorsement" should he enter the race. 

Whether Trump's endorsement fully clears the primary field for Donalds remains to be seen. One possible challenge could be from Casey DeSantis. According to Politico, "Donalds is facing the prospect of running against Florida first lady Casey DeSantis, who’s been heavily involved in her husband’s political rise — and someone Gov. Ron DeSantis has said he sees as the best person to carry on his conservative policy legacy. Casey DeSantis hasn’t made a run official but she and her husband have been calling donors about the possibility."

Donalds is in his third term representing Florida's 19th congressional district, which runs along the southwestern coast of the state from the Fort Myers area to Marco Island. It is a safe GOP district, with the incumbent winning by a 33% margin in 2024.

Thus far, four members - including three Republicans all running for governor - have announced their 2026 retirement from the House.