Donald Trump Jr. endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds for Florida governor on Wednesday backing the Naples Republican’s bid to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2026.

“My friend [Byron Donalds] is a great patriot and has my full endorsement for Florida Governor,” Trump Jr. wrote on X. “Byron is a fighter and a true champion for our America First movement. He will be a great leader for Florida and he’ll fight alongside my father to make America greater than ever before!”

Donalds, a three-term congressman representing Florida’s 19th District, formally entered the governor’s race last month during an appearance on Fox News. He praised DeSantis’ tenure and positioned himself as a continuation of the state’s Republican leadership.

“I think now is the time to now take the mantle and lead our state into the future,” Donalds said. “We’ve had a great governor, Ron DeSantis, [who] 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’s going to be the mission at hand and I’m excited to announce my candidacy … I have a long history in the conservative movement, and I have one of the strongest conservative records, both in the State House and up here in Congress, that proves that I will not let you down, that all of the victories and the successes that Florida has been able to accomplish, we’re only going to take that and build upon it.”

Donalds identified Florida’s property insurance market and education policy as early priorities for his campaign. He cited his experience in banking and financial services as qualifications to address insurance costs and said he would work to improve proficiency in math, reading, and writing in the state’s public schools.

His announcement came days after President Donald Trump publicly endorsed him, calling him a “TOTAL WINNER” in a post on Truth Social. DeSantis, who is term-limited, has not endorsed a candidate but has reportedly floated First Lady Casey DeSantis as a potential contender.

Donalds is expected to enter a competitive Republican primary. Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson have been mentioned as possible candidates.

Trump Jr.’s endorsement of Donalds bucks a “pre-endorsement” he issued to Gaetz during an August 2023 livestream.