Florida Rep. Byron Donalds officially declared his candidacy for governor Tuesday evening during an appearance on Fox News.

With current Gov. Ron DeSantis set to leave office after completing his second term, the race for Florida’s next governor is beginning to take shape.

During an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Donalds confirmed his decision to run for governor in the 2026 election.

“Well, look, Sean, after a lot of prayer, a lot of thoughts with my family and my friends, I’m here to announce my candidacy to be the next governor of the great state of Florida,” Donalds said.

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“We have a wonderful state. I got to Florida when I was 17 years old off of a Greyhound bus with just a trunk full of clothes.”

Donalds reflected on his time in Florida, highlighting his background in the conservative movement and his political experience at both the state and federal levels.

“Over the rest of my time in Florida, I built a family, I built a career, 17 years in financial services. I joined the Tea Party movement, was in the conservative movement,” Donalds continued.

“I was able to serve four years in the state legislature, four years in Congress. I think now is the time to now take the mantle and lead our state into the future.”

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Donalds’ announcement comes after President Donald Trump voiced his strong support for the congressman.

On Truth Social Thursday, Trump stated that if Donalds were to run, he would receive his “complete and total endorsement.”

In another post, Trump shared a Victory Insights poll indicating Donalds as the leading Republican candidate for the position.

The poll showed Donalds with 31% support, while Republican Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez received 4%, and state Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson polled at 3%.

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Donalds expressed appreciation for DeSantis’ leadership and emphasized his commitment to continuing the state’s success.

“We have a great governor. Ron DeSantis has done a tremendous job for our state. But now the job is to keep the best state in the country as the best state in the country. So that’s going to be the mission at hand. I’m excited to announce my candidacy with you tonight,” Donalds told Hannity.

While Donalds is currently the only declared Republican candidate, DeSantis has yet to issue an endorsement.

However, the governor recently spoke about his wife, Casey DeSantis, and her potential ability to continue building on the state’s accomplishments.

“She’s somebody that has, I think, the intestinal fortitude and the dedication to conservative principles,” DeSantis said during a press conference Monday.

“Anything we’ve accomplished, she’d be able to take to the next level.”

As the race for Florida governor takes shape, Donalds’ early entry into the race and Trump’s endorsement are already making waves in what is expected to be a high-profile contest.

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