Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) has officially qualified as a candidate in Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race, according to the Florida Republican on Tuesday.
The Trump-backed candidate made the announcement on social media, touting the momentum of his campaign.
“We’re not letting our foot off the gas—we are going to continue making our case in every corner of this great state,”
Donalds wrote on X. “I’ll never stop fighting to make your life more affordable and defend the Florida Dream for the next generation.”
Donalds has served Florida’s 19th Congressional District
since 2021.
His gubernatorial campaign has highlighted his record as an advocate for school choice and protecting parents’ rights in education during his congressional tenure. Donalds also chaired the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee, working to strengthen the state’s economy and make Florida more affordable, according to his campaign
website.
Since announcing his campaign for governor, Donalds has
raised more than $81 million from over 35,000 donors.
President Donald Trump has praised Donalds as a fighter for conservative values.
“As Governor, Byron will have a BIG Voice, and work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda. He will fight tirelessly to help Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Veterans, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment, Trump
wrote on Truth Social.In the 2024 presidential election, Trump won 56 percent of the state’s popular vote, compared to Kamala Harris’ 43 percent, according to
Ballotpedia.A handful of candidates have launched campaigns for Florida governor in an effort to replace Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is term-limited.
Recent polling has shown Donalds as the clear frontrunner in the Republican primary, paving the way for to run against likely opponent David Jolly in the general election. Jolly previously served as the GOP representative for Florida's 13th congressional district from 2014 to 2017. He left the Republican party in 2018 and became an independent. In 2025, Jolly officially registered as a Democrat and launched his campaign for Florida governor.
Florida’s primary election will be held on Aug. 18. The general election is set for Nov. 3.
