Byron Donalds Releases Campaign Ad Highlighting Trump's Endorsement

Byron Donalds Releases Campaign Ad Highlighting Trump's Endorsement

"This is the free state of Florida. And as your next governor, it will remain the free state of Florida."

Michael Costeines
Michael Costeines
February 17, 2026

Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds (R-FL) released a campaign advertisement highlighting his endorsement from President Donald Trump on social media this week.

"I will defend your constitutional rights against any threat," Donalds says before cutting to a voiceover noting President Trump's endorsement.

The 31-second ad then reverts to President Trump praising Rep. Donalds at a campaign rally.

In the clip, President Trump prefers to Donalds as the "Superstar of the future."

Trump endorsed Rep. Donalds before his official gubernatorial announcement in a Truth Social post in February 2025. Donalds, who represents Florida's 19th Congressional District, announced his run for governor days later.

"The president trusts him. The left hates him. Florida needs him," the advertisement claims.

Donalds is in a Republican primary with Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback for the nomination. The GOP primary is Aug. 18.

According to a recent Mason-Dixon poll released in January, Donalds held a commanding 30-point lead over Collins, Renner, and Fishback for governor. 49% of respondents notably remained undecided.

Another previous poll had Donalds with an even larger lead. Notably, President Trump won Florida by over 13 points in the 2024 presidential election, which might provide a boost for Donalds as the election looms closer.

"This is the free state of Florida. And as your next governor, it will remain the free state of Florida," Donalds vows in the advertisement.

The general election is Nov. 3.

Donalds is looking to replace Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is term-limited and cannot run for a third consecutive term. Gov. DeSantis has yet to endorse Donalds as his successor.

Michael Costeines

Michael Costeines

Michael Costeines: Florida Political Correspondent/Capitol Reporter for The Floridian (2024-Present) Over 1000 stories written covering Gov. Gon DeSantis, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, the Florida GOP, State Legislature, and others Shared by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the White House, Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power, James Uthmeier and others

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