The Republican establishment just sent a brutal message to the DeSantis family.
Florida’s next Governor may not be who everyone expected.
And Republican leaders stunned Casey DeSantis with this shocking move behind Byron Donalds.
Top Republicans rally behind Donalds over DeSantis in Florida Governor’s race
Congressman Byron Donalds’ (R-FL) campaign for Florida Governor gained explosive momentum as the House Republican leadership team unanimously endorsed his candidacy in a move that left Casey DeSantis isolated.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) delivered a ringing endorsement that signals the establishment believes Donalds is Florida’s future.
“I am proud to endorse Byron Donalds for Governor of Florida. Having served with Byron, I have seen firsthand his commitment to fiscal discipline and expanding economic and educational opportunities for every family,” Scalise said. “Byron Donalds knows how to get things done, and as Governor, he will deliver a strong conservative agenda that puts the needs of Sunshine State families first. Florida will be well-served by his leadership.”
The leadership endorsements came from every corner of House Republican leadership – including Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), Conference Chair Lisa McClain (R-MI), and Republican Leadership Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY).
Stefanik didn’t mince words about where the conservative movement’s loyalty now lies.
“Byron Donalds is a tough, tenacious, and true conservative warrior committed to the success of President Trump’s agenda and to creating a brighter future for the Sunshine State,” Stefanik added. “With Byron Donalds as Governor, Florida’s best days are still ahead. I am proud to give my full support to Byron Donalds for Governor of Florida.”
Trump’s blessing pushes Donalds ahead of any DeSantis comeback
President Trump’s early endorsement of Donalds in February set the stage for this cascade of support by creating a united front that’s now cutting the DeSantis political machine off at the knees.
Seven Florida Congressional Republicans have already lined up behind Donalds, including Representatives Mario DÃaz-Balart, Scott Franklin, Laurel Lee, Brian Mast, John Rutherford, MarÃa Elvira Salazar, and Daniel Webster.
Even Senator Rick Scott jumped on the Donalds bandwagon, creating a near-complete Congressional consensus that’s leaving the DeSantis camp scrambling.
What makes this particularly stunning is that it’s a replay of the 2024 Presidential race when Florida’s Republican Congressional delegation abandoned Governor Ron DeSantis to back Trump.Â
But this time they’re not even waiting for Casey DeSantis to enter the race before rallying behind her opponent.
The Club for Growth PAC, which had been an early backer of Ron DeSantis in 2018, has also thrown its support to Donalds.
Money pouring in as the GOP chooses sides
Voters aren’t the only ones recognizing the shifting political winds in Florida.Â
Donors have flocked to Donalds.
He raised more than $12 million during the handful of weeks he was a candidate in the first quarter of 2025.
Representative Lisa McClain’s endorsement highlighted exactly why so many conservatives are rallying behind Donalds over another DeSantis.
“Byron Donalds believes in the American Dream because he has overcome adversity to achieve it. As Governor, he wants every Floridian to live their American Dream in the Sunshine State, just as he has done,” McClain said. “Byron will be the nation’s most pro-Trump Governor, bringing down the cost of living, fighting illegal immigration, and supporting economic policies that help families and seniors get ahead.”
The early coalescing of support behind Donalds has effectively boxed out Casey DeSantis, who is rumored to be planning her own gubernatorial run to continue her husband’s legacy.
With Trump’s blessing and nearly universal support from Florida’s Congressional delegation, Donalds appears to have sewn up the nomination before Casey DeSantis even has a chance to make her case to voters.
The Florida gubernatorial election won’t be held until November 3, 2026, but the Republican Primary battle may already be decided.
