Gov. Ron DeSantis has endorsed Republican gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds in the race to succeed him, giving the congressman the backing of Florida’s term-limited governor as the campaign moves into the general election.
Donalds announced the endorsement Tuesday night on social media, saying he was “honored” to receive DeSantis’ support.
“Governor DeSantis has done incredible work to make Florida the envy of America,” Donalds wrote on X. “As your next Governor, I will build on his success and defend the Florida Dream.”
The endorsement comes after DeSantis declined to back a candidate during the Republican primary, which included Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner and businessman James Fishback. Donalds ultimately secured the Republican nomination on Aug. 18 and will face Democratic nominee David Jolly in November.
Donalds entered the race in February 2025 with the endorsement of President Donald Trump and has consistently positioned his campaign as an effort to continue Florida’s Republican policy direction after DeSantis leaves office.
The congressman has since accumulated endorsements from prominent Republicans, including U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, Attorney General James Uthmeier and a large share of Republican state lawmakers.
Donalds selected state Sen. Bryan Avila as his running mate last week. Avila has similarly said the Republican ticket would seek to build on DeSantis’ agenda while focusing on affordability, public safety and individual freedoms.
