Posted on 01/27/2025 6:29:20 PM PST by CondoleezzaProtege
Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., has been telling potential donors and Florida political players that he is running for governor in 2026, the clearest signal yet that his much-expected bid is moving forward.
Donalds, who represents southwest Florida, has long been rumored to be considering a campaign to replace term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis, but those rumors have ramped up in recent days. Last weekend, at a state Republican Party meeting in Orlando, Donalds sponsored a hospitality suite and told people he is running.
In the past week, he has sent an even clearer sign of his intentions in a series of meetings with key lobbyists and political donors.
The account of Donalds' preparations come from five sources familiar with the meetings and his thinking.
“He was in town [Tallahassee] meeting with all the folks you need to meet with. He told them he is in,” a source who met with Donalds said. “It’s the steps any candidate takes as they prepare to run for governor.”
Donalds told NBC News: “I’m fully focused on helping President Trump pass his America First Agenda. Florida will proudly lead the way.”
The two most prominent Republican names now considered to be running are Donalds and state Agriculture Commission Wilton Simpson, who previously was president of the state Senate.
Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, who recently took a job as an anchor on the conservative TV network OAN, has also publicly signaled he is considering a run, which was first reported by the Tampa Bay Times.
(Excerpt) Read more at nbcnews.com ...
I think he would be a good replacement for DeSantis.
He’s alright in my book.
He’ll get the nomination to show the world we like blacks. Then he’ll lose in the general proving we don’t like blacks. Trump will have to come up with a participation prize.
I think Donalds is a great fit for the FL governorship. I was puzzled why Trump didn't appoint him in the cabinet. They have other plans.
He would be good
It pains me to agree.
Ideally, Trump should find something for him in his administration, a nice ambassadorship somewhere pleasant, thereby sending the message, "Don't even think about it. Enjoy this instead."
You can't be a great fit if you can't get elected and Republicans have a lousy track record with black candidates in statewide races in southern states.
After whites, Latinos are the second largest ethnic group in Florida. If the GOP is adamant about having a minority on the ticket, Republicans would probably have a better chance with Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez.
He happens to be my congressman - the best I’ve had.
He’d have my full support.
I like MAGA. Donalds would be great.
On the 20th at the indoor parade, right after he introduced his family, Trump singled out Donalds and gushed, “What a great future he has!” Sure sounded like an endorsement.
If he can get elected to Congress in lily white Lee and Collier Counties he can win elsewhere in FL.
His chances are better than Gaetz.
He seems good to me. I used to think Gaetz would be great, too. Then he wimped out of the AG nomination without the tiniest pushback.
Bondi should be great. But Gaetz seems like a quitter, which surprised me.
Maybe Donalds will break that streak. Big changes are happening now, and this could be another one.
You gotta start somewhere. Why not now during the Trump Administration?
Donalds will have to do quite a job to fill DeSantis’ shoes - best governor in the country by far.
Love Bondi 💕
Bill Maher of all people just interviewed Matt Gaetz! I think he’s doing a good job of projecting a new & improved adult version of himself to the public right now. Hegseth sort of had that season as a Fox News host. But even he had so much pushback ekking out a nomination.
Being a good governor is diff from being say, a Senator - that’s what Gov DeSantis proved with all his executive & managerial abilities.
Vivek Ramaswamy is also going for Governor of Ohio without even serving in a legislative capacity first.
To be President - it’s so important to know how to govern more than legislate.
Wow. Maybe he should run for Mayor of New York City?! I’d be happy to have Donalds as my Governor here in CA.
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