### DeSantis vs. Donalds: The Florida Governor Race Heats Up - The political landscape in Florida is shifting as Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) has officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial election, backed by a strong endorsement from former President Donald Trump. This announcement comes as current Governor Ron DeSantis, who is term-limited, hints at supporting his wife, Casey DeSantis, as a potential successor, setting the stage for a significant political showdown in the state [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/state/3334144/casey-desantis-hints-about-florida-governor-race][https://www.reuters.com/world/us/republican-congressman-donalds-announces-run-florida-governor-2025-02-26]. ### Key Players and Their Positions 1. **Byron Donalds**: - Announced his candidacy for governor on February 26, 2025, becoming the first major candidate in the race [https://www.thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5157375-byron-donalds-governor-race]. - Received a full endorsement from Donald Trump, positioning him as a strong contender [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/02/20/trump-endorses-byron-donalds-for-florida-governor]. - Aims to succeed DeSantis, who has been a prominent figure in Florida politics [https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/florida/articles/2025-02-25/rep-byron-donalds-backed-by-trump-says-hes-running-for-florida-governor]. 2. **Ron DeSantis**: - Currently serving as Florida's governor, he is ineligible for re-election due to term limits [https://www.local10.com/news/local/2025/02/26/rep-byron-donalds-backed-by-trump-says-hes-running-for-florida-governor]. - Has publicly supported his wife, Casey DeSantis, as a potential candidate for governor, which could create a conflict with Donalds' campaign [https://www.huffpost.com/entry/bc-us-florida-desantis_n_67be2783e4b08044e02befe7]. 3. **Casey DeSantis**: - The First Lady of Florida, her potential candidacy has been a topic of speculation, especially as her husband promotes her as a strong candidate [https://www.startribune.com/as-desantis-talks-up-his-wife-as-next-florida-governor-here-s-what-to-know-about-casey/601227805]. - Her entry into the race could complicate the dynamics, especially given Trump's backing of Donalds [https://www.ibtimes.com/trump-backed-byron-donalds-announces-florida-governor-bid-setting-clash-desantis-3764920]. ### Political Dynamics and Implications - The endorsement of Byron Donalds by Trump signifies a potential rift within the Republican Party in Florida, as DeSantis appears to be positioning his wife as a counter-candidate [https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/24/trump-endorsement-2026-florida-governor-race-00205653]. - This race is not just about succession; it reflects broader tensions between Trump loyalists and the DeSantis faction within the GOP [https://www.axios.com/2025/02/24/ron-casey-desantis-florida-governors-race]. - The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the future of Republican politics in Florida and potentially at the national level, especially as both candidates represent different factions of the party [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/feb/25/trump-endorses-byron-donalds-florida-governor]. ### Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Florida Politics - **The Florida gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a critical contest** that could redefine the state's political landscape. 1. Byron Donalds, with Trump's backing, is positioned as a strong candidate. 2. Ron DeSantis is advocating for his wife, Casey, which could lead to a significant intra-party conflict. 3. The dynamics of this race will likely influence the Republican Party's direction in Florida and beyond. This unfolding political drama highlights the complexities of party loyalty and the strategic maneuvering that characterizes modern American politics [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3277883-byron-donalds-enters-florida-governor-race-with-trumps-endorsement].