Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds (R-FL) hypothetically endorsed Gov. Ron DeSantis for attorney general during a discussion with Benny Johnson on "The Benny Show" this week.
“I think he actually would make a very good attorney general because, knowing Governor DeSantis, he will make sure that he looks through everything with a fine-tooth comb to hold people accountable. And I think that's a spot he could be incredibly well suited for," Donalds said.
Rep. Donalds, however, mentioned he wasn't aware of President Donald Trump's plan to name a new attorney general. Todd Blanche is currently the active attorney general, having taken over for Pam Bondi, who Trump fired in April.
“Todd Blanche is the acting Attorney General; by all accounts, he's doing a very good job in that role. So we'll see what happens," Donalds said.
Rep. Donalds, who has had a lukewarm relationship with Gov. Ron DeSantis in the past, did, however, praise the governor for his job running the state. DeSantis' term ends on January 5, 2027.
"Governor DeSantis has done a great job on behalf of the state of Florida. And we know he's going to be successful no matter what he chooses to do," Donalds said.
He also welcomed the idea of Gov. DeSantis working anywhere in the Trump administration, including as Secretary of Defense. DeSantis has also been linked as a potential Supreme Court appointee.
Is Rep. Donalds' support of Gov. DeSantis for attorney general a sign? Donalds also praised DeSantis over his congressional redistricting plans in April, which officially came to fruition on Monday.
Notably, DeSantis has not endorsed Donalds as a successor, and likely will not endorse a Republican candidate till after the primary on Aug. 18, 2026. Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback are also on the Republican ballot.
President Donald Trump endorsed Donalds in February 2025.
Is Donalds banking on a victory in the Republican primary? We shall see, but Donalds mending fences with DeSantis is arguably a good sign, as any extra help from the governor could give him a boost in the general election in November.
This is absolutely remarkable. Of that happens- His opponent for Governor – Jay Collins would become Governor.
Outstanding statesmanship