Trump Endorses Donalds for Florida Governor

The News

President Donald Trump endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) for Florida governor on February 20, 2025, via Truth Social, declaring Donalds a “TOTAL WINNER” who would advance the “America First Agenda.”

The endorsement, issued nearly two years before the 2026 election, immediately reshaped the race to replace term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis, signaling Trump’s continued dominance over Florida’s GOP.

Timeline

February 17, 2025: Trump Shares Poll

• The poll showed Donalds leading a hypothetical Republican primary field with 31 percent support. Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez (R) trailed at 4 percent support followed by the state’s Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson (R) at 3 percent support, and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez at 1 percent support.

February 20, 2025: Trump Endorses Donalds

• Trump posts on Truth Social, urging Donalds to run and promising his “Complete and Total Endorsement.”

• “RUN, BYRON, RUN! He will fight tirelessly to Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Vets, Restore our Economic Power, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always-under-siege Second Amendment.” [Sources 1, 5, 11]

February 20, 2025: Donalds’ Response

• Donalds hints at a bid on X, posting Trump’s endorsement with the caption:

• “President Trump is Making America Great Again. I’m committed to working with him to Keep Florida Great. Announcement coming soon!”

Reactions

Trump's full statement:

"I am hearing that Highly Respected Congressman Byron Donalds is considering running for Governor of Florida, a State that I love, and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024.

I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER! Byron has a great wife, Erika, and three beautiful sons. They are very proud of him! As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda. He will fight tirelessly to Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Vets, Restore our Economic Power, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.

Byron Donalds would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida and, should he decide to run, will have my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN!"

Charlie Kirk, founder and president of conservative organization Turning Point USA, posted on X, "President Trump just endorsed Byron Donalds for Governor of Florida. Massive. Game over."

What's next

Donalds’ Campaign launch expected by March 2025, with Trump-aligned strategists like pollster Tony Fabrizio already hired.