Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds (R-FL) shared that he has been endorsed by Senate President-Designate Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) and House Speaker-Designate (R-Fleming Island) in his run for governor through a post on social media this week.
"Sam Garrison and @JimBoydFL are proven conservative leaders, and I'm honored to earn their endorsement today," Donalds wrote. "Florida Republicans are united, energized, and ready to win in November. I look forward to working together to keep Florida the freest, safest and most prosperous state in the nation."
Sen. Boyd was designated Senate president for the 2026-2028 term in October 2025. Rep. Garrison was designated Speaker of the House for the 2026-2028 term the same month.
"Byron Donalds is a staunch conservative, a problem solver, and a visionary leader who will make a great Governor of Florida, and I am proud to endorse him," Boyd said. "I got to know him during his time in the Florida House, where he championed education, strengthened law enforcement, and created new pathways for prosperity. Byron Donalds embodies the American Dream, as governor, I know he will work to give every Floridian the opportunity to thrive in the freest, safest and most prosperous state in the nation."
Rep. Garrison added, "Florida Republicans have built a lasting majority by winning the battle of ideas and earning the trust of voters. That success is rooted in the leadership of Governors Jeb Bush, Rick Scott, and Ron DeSantis, who each led our state with a clear, bold vision. Byron Donalds is ready to build on this legacy. He will fight for a strong economy, safe streets, and quality schools while championing the conservative principles that built the Free State of Florida."
With their support, Rep. Donalds essentially has the full backing of the Florida Legislature as he looks to replace Gov. Ron DeSantis in January 2027.
Rep. Donalds has also been endorsed by Sens. Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart), Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers), Erin Grall (R-Fort Pierce), Byran Avila (R-Hialeah Gardens), Debbie Mayfield (R-Melbourne), Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-Doral) and others in the upper chamber, and Reps. Meg Weinberger (R-Palm Beach Gardens), Berny Jacques (R-Seminole), Jenna Persons-Mulicka (R-Naples), Judson Sapp (R-Green Cove Springs), Tobin "Toby" Overdorf (R-Palm City), Fiona McFarland (R-Sarasota) and more in the lower chamber.
In addition, Donalds has the backing of President Donald Trump, who endorsed him in February 2025.
Donalds is in a Republican primary with Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback.
The primary is Aug. 18.
