Byron Donalds' campaign for Florida governor keeps getting stronger.
His latest coalition has Republicans worried about what comes next.
And Byron Donalds just made one move that has his opponent scrambling.
65 faith leaders unite behind Trump's pick for Florida governor
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds announced the formation of a Faith Leaders Coalition on Wednesday, bringing 65 clergy, church volunteers, and faith-based organization leaders into his campaign for Florida governor.¹
The coalition will host weekly prayer calls led by rotating members.
"God calls us to pray for our leaders," Pastor J. Jearlyn Dennie, founder of She Leads Florida, said in a statement.
"This is not about politics. It is about standing in the gap and covering Byron Donalds' leadership in prayer as we seek God's best for our state of Florida."²
Anthony Verdugo, founder of the Florida Christian Family Coalition, praised Donalds as a leader who shares conservative values.
"We are called to pray for our leaders, and Congressman Byron Donalds is a fearless leader who shares our values and needs our prayers," Verdugo stated.
https://twitter.com/ByronWarRoom/status/2001364285084373278?s=20
"In order for Florida to continue succeeding, common-sense values of faith, family and freedom must be reflected at the highest levels of state government in order to serve the public good."³
The faith group follows Donalds' recent Veterans for Byron Coalition, co-chaired by veteran members of Congress who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Navy JAG.
Donalds launched his campaign earlier this year with endorsements from President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
He's built multiple support coalitions since announcing his run to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The campaign highlighted Donalds' dominant position in the 2026 race, citing polling leads, massive fundraising advantages and backing from Trump, Musk, 75% of Florida House Republicans, top sheriffs, 17 members of the state's congressional delegation and U.S. House leadership.
https://twitter.com/WellsJorda89710/status/2001391761269363141?s=20
Paul Renner launches competing women's coalition but gets snubbed by DeSantis
The timing of Donalds' announcement wasn't coincidental.
Former House Speaker Paul Renner launched his own "Women for Renner Coalition" just one day before Donalds rolled out his faith leaders.⁴
Renner entered the race in September after Donalds had already locked down Trump's endorsement and raised $22 million.⁵
DeSantis slammed Renner's decision to run, calling it "ill-advised."⁶
That's a devastating blow from the sitting governor Renner claims he wants to succeed.
Renner trails Donalds badly in polling.
A July survey showed Donalds holding 34.9% support compared to just 2.2% for Renner among likely Republican primary voters.⁷
Donalds has roughly $20.9 million in cash on hand between his political committee and campaign account.⁸
Renner came into the race with only about $1 million.⁹
The faith coalition gives Donalds another powerful organizing tool that Renner can't match.
Faith leaders mobilizing voters through churches and religious organizations have enormous influence with the conservative base that decides Republican primaries in Florida.
DeSantis won't endorse anyone against Donalds.
And Trump's backing makes it nearly impossible for Renner to break through.
Lt. Gov. Jay Collins is also weighing a run, which would further split the anti-Donalds vote.
Donalds keeps building coalitions while his opponents scramble to find a path forward.
Veterans, faith leaders, sheriffs, members of Congress — he's locking down every major constituency group one by one.
The race for Florida governor isn't over yet.
But Donalds is playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers.
Faith leaders organizing weekly prayer calls for him means thousands of engaged voters hearing his name from trusted community voices every single week until the primary.
That's the kind of grassroots organizing that wins elections.
¹ Frank Kopylov, "Faith leaders unite behind Byron Donalds' Florida governor bid," Florida News, December 17, 2025.
² Ibid.
³ Ibid.
⁴ Jesse Scheckner, "Byron Donalds launches 'Faith Leaders Coalition' to support his Governor's bid," Florida Politics, December 17, 2025.
⁵ Matt Dixon, "Scoop: Byron Donalds announces $22 million haul in Florida governor race," Axios, July 1, 2025.
⁶ Forrest Saunders, "Paul Renner launches bid to succeed Gov. DeSantis in 2026," Fox 4 Now, September 3, 2025.
⁷ WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau, "Florida's 2026 governor's race heats up as Paul Renner challenges Byron Donalds," WCTV, September 3, 2025.
⁸ Ibid.
⁹ Florida Phoenix, "Paul Renner: Brewing 'civil war' between Trump, DeSantis Republicans could clear his path to victory," WLRN, September 14, 2025.
