U.S. Congressman and former Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis (R-Pensacola) has thrown his full support behind Congressman Byron Donalds in the race for Florida Governor, citing a full alignment with President Donald Trump’s vision for the state’s leadership.
Patronis’ endorsement makes him the seventeenth member of Florida’s congressional delegation to back Donalds’ gubernatorial bid.
In announcing his decision, Congressman Patronis, who represents the heavily conservative Florida CD-1, was unequivocal in his support.
“I’m in full agreement with President Trump: Byron Donalds is THE guy to lead Florida as our next Governor,” said Congressman Patronis. “He’s an America First fighter with the backbone and conviction to protect our freedoms, defend law and order, and stand up for every hardworking Floridian. As our Governor, Byron will be laser-focused on making the state more affordable so that every Floridian has the opportunity to live the American Dream. I’m proud to call him a friend and to stand with President Trump in supporting Byron for Florida Governor.”
The endorsement from Patronis, a widely respected figure in state politics who previously served on the Florida Cabinet, further cements Donalds’ position as the frontrunner in the Republican primary.
Donalds’ campaign has quickly amassed a formidable coalition of support, which now includes President Trump, 17 members of Florida’s congressional delegation, 75% of the Republican caucus in the Florida House, U.S. House Leadership, and fifteen top Florida sheriffs. This institutional backing, combined with a “monster Q3 fundraising haul,” underscores the campaign’s significant momentum as the August 2026 primary approaches.
The new endorsement follows a string of recent high-profile declarations of support for Donalds, including fellow Congressman Neal Dunn and 63 conservative members of the Florida House of Representatives who backed the Naples Congressman earlier this week.
Recent polling has also shown Donalds in a dominant position, not only crushing current and potential Republican primary opponents but also leading by wide margins against anticipated Democratic challengers for the 2026 General Election, set for November 3, 2026.
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