U.S. Sen. Rick Scott on Friday endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds in Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race, adding another high-profile Republican backing for the Naples congressman as he seeks to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Sen. Scott, who served two terms as governor before being elected to the Senate in 2018, called Donalds a “principled conservative” who would “lead with courage and conviction and fight on behalf of every Floridian.”
“[D]uring my time as Governor, he was a critical partner in securing billions of dollars in tax relief for Florida families.” said Sen. Scott. “As Governor, Byron will strengthen our economy, fight for seniors and veterans, protect our communities, and above all, make Florida more affordable for every family.”
In media appearances, Donalds has identified Florida’s property insurance market and education policy as priorities for his campaign.
“I think now is the time to now take the mantle and lead our state into the future,” Donalds said when he announced his campaign on Fox News in March. “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’ entry into the 2026 gubernatorial race came after President Donald Trump preemptively endorsed him.
“I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Gov. DeSantis, who is barred by term limits from seeking a third term, has yet to offer an endorsement, but has reportedly publicly floated his wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis, as a potential candidate.
