Republican Rep. Byron Donalds has made an impressive start to his campaign for Florida governor, raising nearly $12 million in just 35 days since announcing his candidacy. The funds poured in after he declared his bid to succeed term-limited GOP Governor Ron DeSantis, setting the stage for what is expected to be a fiercely competitive 2026 race.
The contributions include $540,000 in direct donations to Donald’s gubernatorial campaign and $11.5 million directed to his aligned super PAC, Friends of Byron Donalds. His campaign reports that more than 4,300 donors have contributed, signaling strong grassroots support for his candidacy.
This impressive fundraising haul has positioned Donalds as a serious contender in the race. Donald’s political team shared the numbers with Fox News on Tuesday, shedding light on his rapid rise in Florida politics.
Trump’s Backing Boosts Donald’s Momentum
Byron Donalds, who has represented Florida’s 19th Congressional District for four years, is a known ally of former President Donald Trump. His presidential endorsement has already significantly impacted his campaign. Donald announced his candidacy on Fox News’ “Hannity” in late February, just days after receiving Trump’s endorsement.
Trump’s backing has given Donalds a clear advantage, as the former president continues to hold immense influence over the Republican Party. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Donalds reflected on the importance of the endorsement, saying, “Having his endorsement, it’s a great thing to have, I’m glad I have it.”
Trump’s support is a major boost to Donalds, especially considering the former president’s tight grip on GOP politics. According to Donalds, Trump’s endorsements often lead to success for candidates, and he is confident his campaign will benefit from the same.
Danielle Alvarez, a seasoned Republican strategist assisting Donalds, praised the campaign’s early fundraising success. “Byron Donalds has hit the ground running with President Trump’s endorsement and has amassed a $12 million war chest since announcing his bid for Governor just 35 days ago,” she said in a statement. “We are grateful to the thousands of donors supporting Byron’s vision for Conservative leadership.”
Competition in the Race: Casey DeSantis and Other Potential Candidates
While Donalds is currently the only major Republican to enter the race for Florida governor, speculation is growing about other potential candidates. Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis has hinted that she is considering a run for governor in 2026, which could create a highly competitive Republican primary.
In February, she fueled rumors when reporters asked about her political future. “If you see a fork in the road, take it,” she famously quoted the late baseball legend Yogi Berra. This statement sparked further discussion about her possible candidacy.
Governor Ron DeSantis, who is barred from running for re-election in 2026 due to term limits, has been vocal about his support for his wife. He has praised her work as Florida’s First Lady and framed her as a suitable successor for his role. Reports also suggest that the governor has been reaching out to donors on behalf of Casey DeSantis, signaling his interest in seeing her succeed him.
Despite the speculation surrounding Casey DeSantis, Byron Donalds remains focused on his campaign. During a campaign event in Bonita Springs, he told supporters, “We’re going to campaign hard, and we’re going to take this to every part of Florida.”
Donald’s Vision for Florida’s Future
At the heart of Donald’s campaign is a message of conservative leadership and a vision for Florida’s future. In his interview with Fox News, he emphasized his commitment to making the state a better place for all its residents. “I have a vision for their future, and I think that when they hear it, they’re going to choose me,” he said confidently.
Donalds, who has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, believes that Florida needs strong conservative leadership to maintain its position as a national leader. During his campaign, he promised to focus on issues like economic growth, education reform, and public safety.
His fundraising success is a testament to his ability to attract donors who support his vision for the state. In the interview, he expressed gratitude for the thousands of donors who have contributed to his campaign, saying, “We are grateful to the thousands of donors supporting Byron’s vision for Conservative leadership.”
Focus on Building a Broad Coalition
One of Donald’s key goals is to build a broad coalition of voters who share his conservative values. As a Congressman, he has focused on issues that resonate with Republican voters, such as cutting taxes, supporting law enforcement, and advocating for a strong national defense. He hopes to bring those same values to the governor’s office.
During his campaign kickoff in Bonita Springs, Donalds made it clear that his mission is to ensure Florida continues to thrive. He pointed to his experience in Washington, D.C., as a reason why voters should trust him to lead the state. He also stressed his ability to work across party lines to achieve common-sense solutions for Floridians.
Donalds’ fundraising numbers show that his message is resonating with donors, and his campaign is just getting started. As the 2026 race draws closer, Donalds is committed to traveling across the state to meet voters and continue building momentum.
What’s Next for Donalds and the Race for Governor?
With President Trump’s backing and a strong fundraising foundation, Byron Donalds is positioning himself as a formidable candidate for Florida governor. However, the race is far from over, and it remains to be seen how the political landscape will evolve as other potential candidates enter the race.
Casey DeSantis, as well as other Republicans, may still decide to run for governor, adding more competition to an already heated race. But for now, Donalds is taking full advantage of his early momentum, using his substantial war chest to campaign hard and spread his message of conservative leadership to every part of Florida.
In the coming months, voters will closely watch how the race dynamics unfold. Will Donald’s early fundraising success lead to success at the polls? Or will other Republican challengers, like Casey DeSantis, pose a serious threat to his campaign?
As the campaign heats up, all eyes will be on the Florida governor’s race to see which candidate can capture the support of voters and secure victory in 2026.
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Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
