Once upon a time, Florida was a swing state. But those days are long gone, Americans! Under Governor Ron DeSantis’s bold leadership, the Sunshine State has transformed from a purple battleground into a conservative stronghold. From standing up to woke corporations to protecting parental rights in education, DeSantis has built a model of conservative governance that’s made Florida the envy of red states nationwide.

With DeSantis constitutionally prohibited from seeking a third consecutive term in 2026, conservatives are naturally wondering: who can possibly fill those big shoes and continue Florida’s winning streak? The governor’s legacy is secure, but the future of Florida’s rightward trajectory hangs in the balance.

Enter Congressman Byron Donalds, who formally launched his campaign for Florida governor on Friday with what his team described as a “hometown kickoff rally” in Bonita Springs. The conservative lawmaker, who has represented Florida’s 19th Congressional District for four years, became the first major Republican to jump into the race after securing a game-changing endorsement from President Donald Trump.

From ‘Fox News’:
“The campaign event, in Bonita Springs, comes as Florida first lady Casey DeSantis has acknowledged she is considering a 2026 gubernatorial run to succeed her husband in Tallahassee. ‘I think what you’ll see is a show of force and I think the support and the momentum that Bryon is generating across the state, whether it’s fundraising or grassroots support, will be evident,’ veteran Republican strategist and Florida native Stephen Lawson told Fox News.”

The Trump Card That Could Win the Tallahassee Jackpot

Donalds isn’t just another candidate – he’s bringing the full weight of MAGA world with him. Sources tell Fox News that Donald Trump Jr. and conservative powerhouse Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA have recorded videos supporting Donalds’ campaign kickoff. Conservative commentator Benny Johnson appeared in person at the event, further cementing Donalds’ connection to the Trump universe.

“With President Trump’s backing, Donalds is the person to beat in this race,” said Republican strategist Stephen Lawson, who previously advised both DeSantis and former governor Rick Scott. That endorsement could prove decisive in a primary where Trump’s influence with Republican voters remains stronger than ever.

A DeSantis in the Race? Don’t Fork-get About It

While Donalds moves ahead with his campaign, Florida’s popular First Lady Casey DeSantis has been playing coy about her own potential candidacy. When asked by reporters if she would run, she responded with a quote from baseball legend Yogi Berra: “If you see a fork in the road, take it.”

The governor himself seems to be laying groundwork for his wife’s possible campaign, reportedly reaching out to donors on her behalf. A Casey DeSantis candidacy would create a fascinating dynamic – a showdown between a Trump-endorsed congressman and the wife of a governor who himself once enjoyed Trump’s backing.

Conservative Credentials That Make Liberals Sweat

Donalds has been careful to praise DeSantis even while seeking to succeed him. “We have a great governor,” Donalds said last month. “Ron DeSantis has done a tremendous job for our state. But now the job is to keep the best state in the country as the best state in the country.”

That balance – honoring DeSantis’s achievements while aligning firmly with Trump – could prove a winning formula in a state where both men remain popular with the Republican base. Sources close to Donalds predict he’ll easily exceed the $1 million that DeSantis raised in his first month as a gubernatorial candidate back in 2018.

Despite having less statewide name recognition than Casey DeSantis, Donalds brings solid conservative credentials as a key figure in the House Freedom Caucus. His campaign will test whether Trump’s enthusiastic endorsement can overcome the natural advantages that would come with the DeSantis name in Florida.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for conservatives. Florida used to be America’s ultimate battleground state, but it has swung dramatically rightward in recent years. DeSantis won his 2022 re-election by nearly 20 points, and Trump carried the state in 2024 by 13 points. Whichever Republican emerges from the primary will be heavily favored in the general election – making this not just a battle for a nomination, but likely a contest to determine who will lead Florida’s conservative revolution into its next chapter.

Key Takeaways:

• Rep. Byron Donalds has formally launched his campaign for Florida governor with President Trump’s endorsement.
• Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis is considering her own run.
• Florida’s transformation from swing state to Republican stronghold means the GOP primary winner will likely become the next governor.

Sources: Fox News, Devdiscourse