The 2026 Florida governor's race was already tilting heavily Republican.
Now Democrats face a nightmare scenario they can't overcome.
And Elon Musk just handed Trump's pick for Florida governor some unstoppable power.
The world's richest man makes his move in Florida
Elon Musk threw his full support behind Congressman Byron Donalds' campaign to become Florida's next governor.¹
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO responded to Donalds' February campaign announcement with a simple but powerful message on X.
"Congratulations, Byron! You certainly have my full support," Musk wrote.¹
https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1988821770078695827?s=20
Donalds wasted no time thanking the billionaire for his backing.
"Thank you @elonmusk! I am honored to have your full support," Donalds posted in response.¹
The endorsement carries massive weight beyond just Musk's personal influence.
Musk spent more than $277 million backing Republican candidates in the 2024 election cycle, making him the single largest political donor in America.²
https://twitter.com/ByronDonalds/status/1988944575139057852?s=20
His America PAC played a crucial role in President Trump's landslide victory over Kamala Harris.
Now Musk is using that same kingmaker status to help Trump's endorsed candidate dominate the Florida governor's race.
Byron Donalds already crushing the competition
The Naples congressman entered the race with President Trump's complete and total endorsement backing him.³
Trump called Donalds a "TOTAL WINNER" who would be "a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida."³
That endorsement alone gave Donalds a commanding lead in the Republican primary.
Recent polling shows Donalds with 39% support against former House Speaker Paul Renner and Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, who each poll below 4%.⁴
Donalds has also racked up an impressive list of other high-profile endorsements.
He secured backing from 17 members of Florida's congressional delegation, 15 sheriffs across the state, and 75% of the Republican caucus in the Florida House.¹
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Chip Roy of Texas both endorsed Donalds this week.¹
The fundraising numbers tell the same story of dominance.
Donalds has raised more than $31 million for his campaign, dwarfing every other declared candidate in the race.⁴
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is term-limited and cannot run again in 2026.
Some speculation existed that DeSantis' wife Casey might enter the race, but she has not announced a campaign.
The Musk endorsement reflects what's happening across the conservative movement.
"His endorsement reflects the momentum behind our campaign's mission to make the American Dream more achievable in Florida by lowering costs for families, cutting taxes, unleashing innovation, and putting the future back in the hands of the American people, not government bureaucracy," Donalds said in a statement after securing Musk's support.¹
https://twitter.com/j_fishback/status/1989123672658042887?s=20
Democrats face an impossible challenge in Florida
The combination of Trump's endorsement, Musk's backing, and Donalds' fundraising advantage creates a nearly insurmountable obstacle for Democrats.
Florida has become increasingly red under DeSantis' leadership.
Trump won Florida by large margins in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
A late October poll from the University of North Florida showed that even Casey DeSantis, who hasn't entered the race, would crush Democratic candidate David Jolly 47% to 34%.⁴
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is the other Democrat running for governor.
https://twitter.com/alexbruesewitz/status/1989319615147556937?s=20
Neither Democratic candidate has anywhere close to the name recognition, fundraising capability, or coalition support that Donalds has assembled.
The Musk endorsement sends a clear message about where the conservative movement is heading.
The world's richest man is using his influence and resources to ensure Trump-endorsed candidates dominate at every level.
Musk served in Trump's administration as co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency, working to eliminate waste and fraud in the federal government.
His involvement in Florida's governor's race shows he remains deeply committed to advancing the America First agenda.
Democrats hoped they might have a chance to compete in Florida in 2026.
Those hopes are now dead.
Byron Donalds has the full backing of both the 45th and 47th President of the United States and the wealthiest person on the planet.
That's a combination no Democrat can overcome.
¹ Michelle Vecerina, "Elon Musk endorses Byron Donalds for Florida Governor," Florida News, November 13, 2025.
² CBS News, "Elon Musk spends $277 million to back Trump and Republican candidates," CBS News, December 8, 2024.
³ Hannah Demissie, "Elon Musk Backs Rep. Byron Donalds as Next Governor of Florida," Breitbart, November 13, 2025.
⁴ Florida Politics, "Byron Donalds has Elon Musk's 'full support'," Florida Politics, November 13, 2025.
