The race to succeed Governor Ron DeSantis has gained more national attention as Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry officially announced his endorsement of U.S. Representative Byron Donalds for Governor of Florida. Landry is the second sitting governor to jump into the Florida primary, following a previous endorsement from Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
The move adds to a growing list of high-profile supporters for the Naples Republican, who is currently serving his third term in Congress.
Landry cited Donalds’ focus on economic affordability, public safety, and education as the primary reasons for his support. He noted that Donalds’ policy priorities align with the conservative direction many Republican voters are looking for as the state transitions from the DeSantis era.
This latest endorsement comes on the heels of a strong financial reporting period for the Donalds’ campaign. Recent disclosures show Donalds raised $13.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, bringing his total campaign haul for the year to $45 million. This figure sets a record for fundraising at this stage of a Florida gubernatorial cycle.
In addition to support from Landry and Sanders, Donalds has secured backing from several prominent figures, including President Donald Trump, Senator Rick Scott, and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
His campaign also reports endorsements from 17 members of Florida’s congressional delegation and roughly 75% of the Republican caucus in the Florida House.
Current polling data reflects this momentum. Surveys from early 2026 consistently show Donalds leading a crowded Republican field that includes Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins and former House Speaker Paul Renner.
On the Democratic side, potential matchups often feature Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings or former Congressman David Jolly, though primary elections are still months away.
As the August 2026 primary approaches, the Florida race is shaping up to be one of the most expensive and watched contests in the country. With the state’s GOP increasingly unified behind his candidacy, Donalds appears to be positioning himself as the frontrunner to keep the Governor’s Mansion in Republican hands.
READ: Florida Rep. Byron Donalds Rips Senate Inaction As GOP Pushes For Tighter Voting Laws
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