MIAMI — President Donald Trump said he would endorse Rep. Byron Donalds in Florida’s 2026 governor’s race, should the Florida Republican choose to run.

In a Truth Social post Thursday evening, Trump wrote that Donalds would “have my Complete and Total Endorsement.”

“I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER!” Trump wrote.

“RUN, BYRON, RUN!” he added.

Donalds, who has been rumored to be running, responded on X: “Announcement coming soon!”

It’s also an immediate blow to Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose wife, Casey, is considering a run to replace him in the Governor’s Mansion, The Miami Herald reported earlier this month.

Donalds, a former state lawmaker who used to be close to DeSantis, had a falling out with the governor after he endorsed Trump in the presidential primary.

Since then, DeSantis has been looking to throw his support behind someone else in 2026. Last month, he announced that a political committee he controls will be used to “ensure support for a strong conservative gubernatorial candidate.”

DeSantis is set to fly to Washington, D.C., on Friday to meet with various federal agencies.

Other Trump allies, including former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, are rumored to be interested in running for governor, but Trump has been touting Donalds for months. Trump introduced Donalds during his Inauguration Day rally by remarking on “what a future this one has.”

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