U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis (F-FL) announced his endorsement of Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) for Florida governor by praising him as a "conservative fighter" in a social media post this week.
"Byron is a proven conservative fighter who knows what it takes to defend our freedoms, grow our economy, and keep Florida leading the nation. That's why I've proudly supported him from day one," Patronis wrote.
Rep. Patronis represents the state's 1st congressional district.
His support is just the latest for Rep. Donalds in his bid, which includes President Donald Trump. Donalds has also been endorsed by Sen. Rick Scott, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), and several other Florida congressional representatives, including Kat Cammack, Brian Mast, Laurel Lee, Vern Buchanan, María Elvira Salazar, and John Rutherford.
In addition, Rep. Donalds has been endorsed several members of the Florida House and Senate, including Rep. Juan Porras (R-Miami), Rep. Meg Weinberger (R-Palm Beach Gardens), Rep. Berny Jacques (R-Seminole), Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka (R-Naples), Sen. Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers), Sen. Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart), Sen. Nick DiCeglie (R-St. Petersburg), and Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-Doral).
Along with political leaders, Rep. Donalds has the backing of a majority Florida sheriffs, including Duval County Sheriff T.K. Waters, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco.
Donalds is in a Republican primary with Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former Florida House speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback.
Florida's primary election is Aug. 18, 2026.
By count, Donalds is well-ahead in endorsements over his competitors in the race. Lt. Gov. Jay Collins has endorsements from a handful of Florida sheriffs and Dundee Mayor Joe Garrison, while Paul Renner has been endorsed by Former Florida Congressman Ted Yoho and Former Senate President Tempore Dennis Baxley.
Fishback has been endorsed by conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson, along with far-right white nationalist Nick Fuentes.
