JUST IN: DeSantis Offers No Warm Words For Byron Donalds' Possible Run For Florida Governor In 2026

 

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JUST IN: DeSantis Offers No Warm Words For Byron Donalds' Possible Run For Florida Governor In 2026

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) expressed little enthusiasm for Rep. Byron Donalds' (R-FL) potential candidacy in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race. While former President Donald Trump has already endorsed Donalds, DeSantis stopped short of offering similar support and instead emphasized the need for congressional Republicans to focus on enacting Trump's agenda.

During a press interaction, DeSantis was asked whether he supports Donalds’ bid for the governorship. He responded by highlighting the importance of congressional Republicans prioritizing their legislative duties rather than campaigning prematurely.

DeSantis’ Response to Media:

"Donald Trump just got into office, and I want these congressmen focused on enacting his agenda. They haven't done very much yet; they're not putting his executive orders into place. We'll see what they do on spending, but we have such a narrow majority that to be trying to campaign in other places and missing these votes is not advisable at all.

We've achieved victories in Florida, and we need to start achieving those victories in Washington. You look at a guy like Byron—he just hasn't been a part of the victories we've had here in Florida over the past years. He's been in other states campaigning, and that’s fine, but he needs to deliver results up there. That’s what I want to see. We deliver for the people of Florida all the time, and that’s what our representatives need to be doing too."

DeSantis also cautioned against assuming Florida’s Republican dominance is permanent, warning that the state could "revert very quickly" without strong leadership.

"Some people think the battle's been won, but we could revert very quickly. It really needs to be about someone who will fight for people, especially when it's not easy. Have you been willing to get involved in the big battles that we've had and won over these years? If not, then Florida could easily shift in the wrong direction."

DeSantis concluded by reiterating that his focus is on maintaining Florida’s conservative governance and finding a candidate who will "take it to the next level."

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FAQs

1. Did Governor DeSantis endorse Byron Donalds for the 2026 Florida governor’s race? No, DeSantis did not endorse Donalds. Instead, he emphasized the need for congressional Republicans to focus on enacting Trump's agenda rather than campaigning for future elections.

2. Who has endorsed Byron Donalds for Florida Governor? Former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds for the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race.

3. Why is DeSantis critical of Donalds’ potential campaign? DeSantis expressed concern that congressional Republicans, including Donalds, have not yet done enough to support Trump’s executive orders and legislative agenda. He believes their priority should be delivering results in Washington rather than launching gubernatorial campaigns.

4. Does DeSantis plan to endorse any candidate for Florida governor? DeSantis has not announced an endorsement. He stated that he is focused on ensuring Florida’s continued conservative governance and finding a candidate who can build on the state’s achievements.

5. What does DeSantis mean when he says Florida could "revert very quickly"? DeSantis warned that without strong conservative leadership, Florida could shift away from the policies that have attracted hundreds of thousands of new residents. He stressed the need for a committed governor who will continue to uphold conservative principles.

6. Is DeSantis considering running for another office in 2026? As of now, DeSantis has not announced any plans to run for another office. His focus remains on governing Florida and ensuring that a strong conservative successor continues his policies.