Donald Trump Jr plunges into Florida's gubernatorial race, marking another chapter in the complex dynamics between the Trump and DeSantis families.
According to Axios, the eldest son of former President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Representative Byron Donalds for Florida governor, solidifying Donalds' position as the frontrunner against potential candidate Casey DeSantis, the current first lady of Florida.
The endorsement follows President Trump's earlier support for Donalds, who announced his candidacy on Fox News' Sean Hannity show on February 25. This strategic move strengthens the Trump family's influence in Florida politics, where term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis currently holds office after his unsuccessful 2024 presidential primary campaign against Donald Trump.
Donalds' campaign team consists of experienced Trump campaign professionals, including pollster Tony Fabrizio, senior adviser Danielle Alvarez, and Ryan Smith, who previously worked with the pro-Trump MAGA Inc. super PAC. Their involvement demonstrates the strong connection between Donalds' gubernatorial campaign and the Trump political machine.
Recent polling data conducted by Fabrizio reveals Donalds holding a slight lead over Casey DeSantis, with 34% support compared to her 30% among likely GOP primary voters. The poll also tested various scenarios involving endorsements, showing Trump's backing carries more weight than Governor DeSantis' potential support for his wife.
The same poll indicates broader implications for Florida's political landscape, suggesting Vice President Vance would defeat Ron DeSantis by 14 points in a hypothetical 2028 presidential primary. Additionally, former Representative Matt Gaetz would lead significantly against Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in potential future matchups.
Donald Trump Jr, who hosts the influential "Triggered" podcast and serves as a trusted adviser to his father, made the following statement:
My friend Byron Donalds is a great patriot and has my full endorsement to serve as Florida's next governor. Byron is a fighter and a true champion for our America First movement. He will be a great leader for Florida and he will fight alongside my father to make America greater than ever before!
The relationship between the Trump and DeSantis families has experienced both tension and reconciliation. After DeSantis' withdrawal from the presidential race, efforts to maintain political harmony included a recent golf outing between the DeSantises and Trump at his West Palm Beach course.
Governor DeSantis expressed his frustration with Donalds' candidacy, stating:
You got a guy like Byron, he just hasn't been a part of any of the victories that we've had here over the left over these years. He's just not been a part of it.
With registered Republicans significantly outnumbering Democrats in Florida, the GOP primary winner typically becomes the favorite to win the general election. The Donalds campaign's strategic release of poll results sends a clear message about Trump's continued dominance in Florida politics.
A DeSantis confidant suggests that the show of force behind Donalds might not deter Casey DeSantis from entering the race. The ongoing political maneuvering highlights the complex relationships and power dynamics within Florida's Republican circles.
The results of recent polls and endorsements indicate potential shifts in the state's political alignment, particularly regarding the influence of the Trump and DeSantis families in Florida's political future.
The 2026 Florida gubernatorial race represents a significant moment in state politics, with Byron Donalds receiving crucial endorsements from both Donald Trump Jr and former President Trump. The contest, potentially featuring Casey DeSantis, showcases the ongoing influence of both the Trump and DeSantis families in Florida's political landscape. As the race unfolds, the Trump team's strong backing of Donalds and their established campaign infrastructure position him as a formidable candidate in the Republican primary, where victory typically leads to success in the general election due to the state's Republican voter majority.
