Congressman Byron Donalds (R) might not be Florida's governor yet, but he is being recognized on Time Magazine's "100 Next" list of most influential rising stars in America. Rep. Donalds is the only Florida politician on the list, which was released this week.
"Each year, @TIME recognizes 100 leaders from around the world who are shaping the future and defining the next generation," Donalds shared on social media. "I am honored to be included as part of this year's #TIME100NEXT list as we fight to Make America Great Again."
“In the 2020 election, he positioned himself as the ‘gun-owning, liberty-loving, pro-life, politically incorrect’ candidate, and won the GOP nomination to represent a reliably red district in Naples, Fla.," Time Magazine's Phillip Elliot wrote. "Once in office, Donalds—who joined 138 other House Republicans in wrongly denying that Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election—became one of the pluckiest defenders against Trump’s impeachment for the events of Jan. 6, 2021.”
Donalds, who represents District 19, was endorsed by President Donald Trump in his gubernatorial bid back in February.
"Already a close ally, having spoken at rallies throughout the 2024 election cycle, Donalds would be a reliable partner for the Trump White House if elected governor—and may step up to become a steward of its legacy," Elliot noted.
Along with Trump, Florida Sen. Rick Scott (R) formally endorsed Donalds in August. Donalds is also backed by several members of Florida's congressional Republican delegation, including Reps. Randy Fine and Mario Diaz-Balart.
In addition, several Florida sheriffs are backing his candidacy, including Miami-Dade County's Rosie Cordero Stutz, Collier County's Kevin Rambosk, Lee County's Carmine Marceno, Hillsborough County's Chad Chronister, Duval County's T.K. Waters, and Brevard County's Wayne Ivey.
Other rising stars to make TIME's list included Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego (D), White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, conservative political consultant Alex Brusewitz, and Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk, the wife of the late Charlie Kirk.
