Byron Donalds officially announces bid for Florida governor following Trump endorsement

Florida GOP Rep. Byron Donalds, a rising star in Republican politics, officially announced his candidacy for Florida governor on Tuesday, throwing his hat in the ring to replace the term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis. 

Donalds previously teased his bid last week after President Donald Trump endorsed him in the race, even though he had yet to announce. Donalds had been reportedly considering a bid before that.

The Republican made the official announcement during an appearance on Fox News' "Hannity." 

"After a lot of prayer, a lot of thought with my family and my friends, I am here to announce my candidacy to be the next governor of the great state of Florida," Donalds said. "We have a great governor - Ron DeSantis has done a tremendous job for our state. Now, the job is to keep the best state in the country."

"I joined the Tea Party movement, was in the conservative movement, 4 years in the state legislature, 4 years in Congress - now is the time to take the mantle and lead our state into the future," he added.

The announcement comes one day after another Trump ally, Vivek Ramaswamy, announced his bid for Ohio governor. Both races will take place in November of next year.

"I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER" Trump wrote in his endorsement on Truth Social last week. "As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda. 

"Byron Donalds would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida and, should he decide to run, will have my Complete and Total Endorsement," he also wrote in the post. "RUN, BYRON, RUN!"

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.