Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida has confidently dismissed critiques from Governor Ron DeSantis, asserting that his political track record is a testament to his suitability for the governorship of Florida.
As Donalds prepares to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race, DeSantis has voiced skepticism regarding the ability of congressional figures like Donalds to effectively advance former President Donald Trump's agenda.
DeSantis suggested that Donalds has not been instrumental in the "victories" achieved thus far. In response, Donalds refrained from engaging directly with DeSantis's comments, instead highlighting his own legislative accomplishments.
According to The Washington Examiner, Donalds emphasized his achievements during his tenure in the Florida state legislature. "I would say in terms of what Ive been able to accomplish in my time in elected politics when I was a freshman in the state legislature, I passed the first bill of its kind in the country that gave parents and community members an ability to actually examine what was in the textbook materials of students, so we could actually find out what was actually going on in the indoctrination of our kids," Donalds stated on Fox Businesss Varney & Co. He further noted that this legislation was signed into law by then-Governor Rick Scott. Additionally, Donalds highlighted his efforts to expand school choice, allowing bullied children the opportunity to attend different schools, underscoring his commitment to educational reform in Florida.
Expressing gratitude for the endorsement from former President Trump, Donalds remarked, "Im very happy to have President Trumps support, and so right now, this is about the future of Florida, the voters of Florida, and doing everything possible to make sure that not only do we continue to be the best state in the country, but that we take it to new heights."
His campaign announcement came with praise for DeSantis, acknowledging him as "a great governor" and affirming his campaign's objective to maintain Florida's status as "the best state in the country."
Donalds's political ambitions were hinted at during the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference, where he advised attendees to "stay tuned" regarding his future plans. His relationship with DeSantis has reportedly become strained following Donalds's endorsement of Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, a move that preceded DeSantis's own presidential campaign launch.
Speculation surrounds the potential candidacy of Florida's first lady, Casey DeSantis, for the 2026 gubernatorial race. Governor DeSantis has described such rumors as "flattering." Meanwhile, Donalds's announcement coincided with businessman Vivek Ramaswamy's entry into the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial race. Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate, has expressed a vision for Ohio that challenges the appeal of states like Florida and Texas, advocating for "friendly competition" among states to attract residents.
As the political landscape in Florida evolves, Donalds's campaign will likely focus on his legislative achievements and alignment with conservative values, aiming to resonate with voters who prioritize educational reform and limited government intervention.
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