Nine Florida State Senators Back Byron Donalds for Governor

Nine Florida State Senators Back Byron Donalds for Governor

Michael Costeines
Michael Costeines
February 27, 2026

Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds (R-FL) picked up nine Florida Senate endorsements in his bid for governor this week.

The endorsements include:

  • Sen. Byran Avila (R-Hialeah Gardens)
  • Sen. Alexis Calatayud (R-Miami)
  • Sen. Nick DiCeglie (R-St. Petersburg)
  • Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) - before becoming RNC Chairman
  • Sen. Debbie Mayfield (R-Melbourne)
  • Sen. Erin Grall (R-Fort Pierce)
  • Sen. Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart)
  • Sen. Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers)
  • Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-Doral)

“I’m proud to stand with President Trump and support Byron Donalds, a staunch fighter for the America First agenda,” Mayfield said.  “He has already shown his commitment to securing our borders, backing law enforcement, cutting wasteful government spending, and standing up to woke ideologies in Congress and the Florida House, and I’m confident he’ll do the same as our state’s next Governor. Together, we will keep Florida free, safe, and prosperous.”

Sen. Martin added, "Byron and I met when I was running for State House and he was running for Congress in 2012. Since then, we’ve been on the same side of almost every major issue. “I saw Byron’s true conservative bona fides when he voted no on the Parkland bill. I have tremendous respect for his willingness to stand up to intense pressure to do what he believes is right and protect our constitutional rights regardless of politics.”

The nine Senators add to a growing list of support for Rep. Donalds, which includes President Donald Trump, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).

"Byron Donalds is the Trump-endorsed conservative leader Republicans trust to keep Florida strong," said Ryan Smith, Chief Strategist for the Byron Donalds Campaign. “From securing our borders and backing law enforcement to lowering costs for working families and seniors, Byron has built an America First record that Florida voters can trust.”

In addition, Rep. Donalds has the support of over 60 members of the Florida House of Representatives. He was also endorsed by over 30 Florida Sheriffs, which a PAC highlighted earlier this week.

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.

Notably, Gov. DeSantis has yet to endorse a candidate in the race.

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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