Florida Governor Ron DeSantis weighed in on President Donald Trump’s recent endorsement of Rep. Byron Donalds for governor in 2026, expressing skepticism about Donalds’ contributions to Florida’s conservative victories.
Speaking at a news conference in Tampa Bay, DeSantis was asked about Trump’s endorsement and responded by emphasizing the importance of legislative work in Washington. He stated that Florida has made significant conservative gains in recent years and noted that Donalds “just hasn’t been a part of any of the victories that we’ve had here over the left these last years.”
DeSantis also suggested that his wife, Casey DeSantis, could be a strong candidate for governor, pointing to his own historic re-election victory. He stated, “I won by the biggest margin that any Republican has ever won a governor’s race here in Florida. She would do better than me.”
Trump’s endorsement of Donalds has reshaped the 2026 governor’s race long before the campaign officially begins. While DeSantis cannot seek re-election due to term limits, his remarks indicate he is not backing Trump’s preferred candidate at this time.
With the Florida governorship remaining a key battleground, the 2026 race is already drawing national attention. Whether Donalds, Casey DeSantis, or another candidate emerges as the frontrunner remains to be seen.
DeSantis’ remarks highlight the ongoing political shifts within the Republican Party as Trump continues to assert his influence over key state races. While Trump’s endorsement carries significant weight among GOP voters, DeSantis’ pushback signals that he may still have a strong role in shaping Florida’s political future even after leaving office. The prospect of Casey DeSantis running could further complicate the race, as she has been a prominent figure in Florida politics, advocating for conservative policies and actively supporting her husband’s administration.
Donalds, a staunch Trump ally and rising Republican figure, has yet to officially announce his candidacy. However, Trump’s early endorsement suggests that he is positioning Donalds as his preferred successor. If Donalds enters the race, he could face strong opposition from other Republican contenders who align with DeSantis’ vision for Florida. With more than a year until the election, the battle for the governor’s mansion is shaping up to be a major test of loyalty and influence within the GOP.
