Byron Donalds, a current U.S. Representative and former FAMU student, has announced his candidacy for Florida governor on Fox News’ Sean Hannity show.
Donalds currently serves the U.S. House Representative for Florida’s 19th District, which encompasses many areas in southwest Florida, including Fort Myers and Naples. Since his election in 2021, Donalds has been no stranger to controversy, receiving over 20 votes in a bid for House Speaker. The bid was spearheaded by a conservative faction of the Republican Party, aiming to thwart Kevin McCarthy’s speakership before his historic removal from the position.
Donalds received an endorsement from President Donald Trump. In a post on Truth Social, the President expressed his support for a potential run by the Congressman.
“As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda.” Trump ended the post urging the Representative to run.“Should he decide to run, [Donalds] will have my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN!”
This move by Trump seems to counter the succession plans of Gov. Ron Desantis, who has appeared to be promoting his wife, Casey Desantis, to succeed him as governor.
At a press conference in Tampa on Monday, Gov. DeSantis espoused skepticism about Representative Donalds, saying, “A guy like Byron, he just hasn’t been a part of these victories that we’ve had here over the left.”
DeSantis also mentioned his wife as a potential contender in the race.
“People ask me all the time about our wonderful first lady,” DeSantis said. “She’s somebody that has, I think, the intestinal fortitude and dedication to conservative principles.”
Donalds also made headlines locally in Tallahassee, receiving the 2025 FAMU impact award from interim President Timothy Beard at a ball hosted by the Black Conservative Federation in Washington, D.C. The Black Conservative Federation describes itself as “Serving as the premier hub for Black conservatives throughout the country.”
The Ball featured a group of Black Conservative figures and even had celebrity guests such as Waka Flocka, Anton Daniels, and Antonio Brown.
“Mr. Donalds is changing the world,” said interim President Beard, who is a registered Republican, as he gave the award to Congressman Donalds.
“I am proud to be a rattler and am honored to be presented with a 2025 ‘Rattler Award’ by Florida A&M President Timothy L. Beard” Donalds wrote in an Instagram post.
Despite being enrolled at FAMU, Donalds ultimately transferred to Florida State
University and graduated from FSU with a Bachelor’s in Finance and Marketing.
Donalds continues to rise politically and as he now is a contender in a competitive race for the Governor’s Mansion in 2026.