Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Co-Chair of the Florida Delegation, has endorsed Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) in his 2026 gubernatorial bid.
President Donald Trump (R) already endorsed Rep. Donalds a few days before he announced his candidacy for Florida governor.
Governor Ron DeSantis' (R-FL) wife, Casey, is rumored to be mulling over a gubernatorial run.
Rep. Buchanan described Donalds as a "friend" and "MAGA patriot" that would be a productive governor for Florida.
“My friend, Byron Donalds, is a fearless Conservative and MAGA patriot. I have worked closely with him in Congress and know from personal experience his fight, tenacity, and effectiveness. He will be a great executive for our Sunshine State," said Buchanan.
Buchanan's longtime political advisor, Max Goodman, provided a statement regarding the endorsement of Donalds.
"There's a reason Vern previously nominated Donalds for Speaker of the House. He has earned the trust of his colleagues throughout the delegation and has what it takes to take Florida to the next level," said Goodman.
Buchanan's endorsement comes hours after Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) all but endorsed Donalds during an appearance on the Brian Kilmeade Show.
Kilmeade asked Sen. Scott about endorsing Rep. Donalds. Scott responded that he is "going to do everything he can" to assist the Florida congressman but did not endorse him.
"Byron is a friend," said Scott. "He's my congressman where I live, and so I'm going to do everything I can to be helpful to him. I think he'll be a phenomenal governor. I think he's going to win. I'm glad that Trump endorsed him."
Furthermore, when asked about the potential of Casey DeSantis entering the race and how it would affect the likelihood of Donalds winning, Scott doubled down on his prediction.
"Byron Donalds is going to win. Byron's got a track record. I worked with him when I was governor, and I've worked with him since I've been up as a U.S. senator," said Scott. "He works his butt off. He believes in the right things. He'll work hard for the State of Florida. I don't think anybody is going to beat him."
Every GOP U.S. Representative from the State of Florida (except for Rep. Laurel Lee) endorsed President Trump over Gov. DeSantis during his 2024 presidential bid. If history repeats itself, Donalds could be receiving an avalanche of congressional support in the coming days or weeks.
