BONITA SPRINGS, FL. – EXCLUSIVE – Republican Rep. Byron Donalds, as he kicked off his 2026 campaign for Florida governor, touted that “this is going to take off.”
Donalds’ prediction came in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital ahead of his rally in front of a hometown crowd, his first campaign event in his 2026 bid.
The conservative lawmaker, who has represented Florida’s 19th Congressional District in the southwest part of the state for four years, is currently the only major Republican to date to jump into the race to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Donalds, a staunch supporter and ally of President Donald Trump, announced his candidacy during an appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity” late last month, days after landing the president’s endorsement.
“We’re going to campaign hard and we’re going to take this to every part of Florida,” Donalds pledged in his interview.
FIRST ON FOX: LEADING CONSERVATIVE GROUP BACKS DONALDS IN FLORIDA
The crowd at Republican Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial campaign kickoff, ahead of the candidate’s arrival on the podium, in Bonita Springs, Florida on March 28, 2025. (Fox News – Paul Steinhauser)
And pointing to the support from Trump, whose immense grip over the GOP is stronger than ever, he emphasized “having his endorsement, it’s a great thing to have, I’m glad I have it.”
“And when he makes these choices, they tend to turn out well for his candidates,” Donalds noted.
WHAT BYRON DONALDS TOLD FOX NEWS’ LARA TRUMP
The campaign event, in Bonita Springs, comes as Florida first lady Casey DeSantis has acknowledged she is considering a 2026 Republican gubernatorial run of her own, to succeed her husband in Tallahassee.
DeSantis has repeatedly touted his wife’s accomplishments as Florida first lady and framed her as a worthy successor.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his wife, first lady Casey DeSantis, celebrate his victory over Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rep. Charlie Crist during an…
