Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is term-limited out of office in 2026.
A recent 2026 gubernatorial poll showed his wife Casey has the highest favorability rating among Florida Republicans.
But Donald Trump just poured cold water on Casey DeSantis’ political ambitions with these three words of advice for Byron Donalds.
The political dynamics in Florida have completely changed over the past six years under Ron DeSantis’ leadership.
Democrats held a major advantage over Republicans in voter registration numbers when DeSantis first took office in 2018.
DeSantis barely edged out a victory over his Democrat opponent in the Governor’s race.
At that time, there were 300,000 more registered Democrats in Florida than Republicans.
But after six years of Ron DeSantis’ conservative leadership, there are now one million more registered Republicans in Florida than there are Democrats.
Republicans also have a supermajority in the state legislature.
DeSantis crushed his Democrat opponent in 2022 by a large 13-point margin in a race where he became the first Republican to win Miami-Dade County in decades.
Thanks to Ron DeSantis, Florida went from being the largest swing state in the nation to a solid red state.
Donald Trump won Florida in 2020 with 51.22% of the vote, but that increased to 56% in 2024.
Florida law prohibits Ron DeSantis from seeking a third term in 2026.
Since Florida is now a solid red state, the Republican Primary will effectively determine the next Governor of Florida.
Ron DeSantis’ wife Casey has always been involved in his administration and campaigns and is wildly popular with GOP voters in Florida.
In fact, a new poll from the University of North Florida showed Casey DeSantis with the highest favorability rating among Republicans.
57% of Republicans hold a favorable view of Casey DeSantis.
But Donald Trump is the leader of the Republican Party and is also very popular with Republicans.
Ron DeSantis had a falling out with Trump during the 2024 Primary, and that could ruin Casey DeSantis’ chance at becoming Governor.
In fact, Trump endorsed Donalds before speaking at the Republican Governors Association’s annual meeting in Washington.
“I am hearing that Highly Respected Congressman Byron Donalds is considering running for Governor of Florida, a State that I love, and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER!” he continued. “As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda. He will fight tirelessly to Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Vets, Restore our Economic Power, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”
“Byron Donalds would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida and, should he decide to run, will have my Complete and Total Endorsement,” he added.
Trump then had three words of advice for Donalds.
“RUN, BYRON, RUN!” Trump urged the Congressman.
Donalds has not confirmed whether he plans to run for Governor.
But he thanked Donald Trump on social media for his support.
“President Trump is Making America Great Again,” he wrote. “I’m committed to working with him to Keep Florida Great,” he continued. “Announcement coming soon!”
President Trump is Making America Great Again.
I’m committed to working with him to Keep Florida Great.
Announcement coming soon! pic.twitter.com/Bimj712vIL
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) February 21, 2025
To his credit, Donalds praised DeSantis for the work he has done as Governor.
“I think the one thing that is clear is that Governor DeSantis has done a great job for our state,” he said. “We all know that, but there’s going to be time to pick a new governor, and then we’ll go on from there.”
Donalds served two terms in the Florida House before his 2020 election to Congress.
Only time will tell if he runs for Governor.
But if he does, he will have the entire Trump machine behind him.
DeSantis Daily will keep you up-to-date on any new developments in this ongoing story.
