U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds cemented his position as the clear front-runner in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race today, announcing a massive slate of endorsements from 63 Florida State Representatives.
This show of force represents approximately three-quarters of the entire Republican Caucus in the Florida House of Representatives and strongly reinforces the earlier backing Donalds received from President Donald Trump.
The endorsements, which include key House leadership figures, underscore the deep support for Donalds within the Florida Republican establishment. The announcement comes on the heels of the campaign reporting a “monster” third-quarter fundraising haul and internal polling that shows Donalds leading both primary and general election opponents by wide margins.
Florida House Speaker Danny Perez (HD-116) was unequivocal in his support, stating, “President Trump endorsed Byron Donalds for Governor for the same reason that Floridians will overwhelmingly elect him to serve as our next Governor: He will fight for our families and our state. He will make Florida government work for our people, not for himself. I am excited to endorse a true conservative champion to be our next Governor.”
The broad support from the state’s legislative branch builds on a growing coalition of backers for Donalds, who previously served in the Florida House of Representatives for District 80. His endorsement list now includes 15 top Florida sheriffs, 16 members of Florida’s congressional delegation, and U.S. House Leadership.
Florida House Majority Leader Tyler Sirois (HD-31) praised Donalds as a “principled conservative who leads with courage, conviction, and integrity,” adding that Donalds “shares our commitment to growing Florida’s economy, protecting our freedoms, and backing the men and women of law enforcement who keep our communities safe.”
The list of 63 State Representatives includes early supporters who announced their backing when Donalds launched his campaign in February, such as State Reps. Jessica Baker, Yvette Benarroch, Toby Overdorf, Jenna Persons-Mulicka, and Juan Carlos Porras.
“Byron Donalds is a bold, America First conservative who will take Florida to new heights,” said State Representative Mike Redondo (HD-118), referencing the former President’s backing. “I’m proud to stand with Byron Donalds for Governor because he’s the Trump-endorsed conservative fighter we need to keep Florida thriving.”
State Representative Jennifer Canady (HD-50) highlighted Donalds’ legislative background: “Byron has always understood that strong schools, safe communities, and parental rights are the foundation of a thriving Florida. As a mom, a teacher, and a conservative, I know Byron will defend those values and ensure that every child in our state has the opportunity to succeed. I’m proud to support Byron Donalds for Governor.”
The unprecedented level of legislative support this early in the cycle signals a strong unified front behind Donalds as he campaigns to succeed term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis in the November 2026 election.
READ: Florida Rep. Byron Donalds Slams Obamacare Costs: “It’s Never Been Affordable”
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