DeSantis Unites Florida GOP Behind Donalds and Powerful Statewide Slate

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis endorsed Republican gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds along with a slate of GOP candidates for statewide office Tuesday, saying the group is important to the future of Florida, as reported by Fox News.

DeSantis made the endorsement during the Florida GOP Leadership Forum at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre in Tampa on Sept. 1, 2026.

“I’m endorsing the slate here tonight … because I know it’s important for the state of Florida,” DeSantis said at the event.

The leadership forum featured Donalds, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson alongside DeSantis.

The endorsements bring together several Republican officials who have worked with DeSantis during his tenure as governor.

DeSantis appointed Ingoglia as chief financial officer and Uthmeier as attorney general last year. Later in 2025, he endorsed Ingoglia in his bid for election to the CFO position.

DeSantis also endorsed Simpson for re-election this year.

Donalds, who represents Florida in the U.S. House, thanked DeSantis for his support in a post on X following the forum.

“Tonight I was honored to earn Governor @RonDeSantis’s endorsement,” Donalds wrote.

“Governor DeSantis has done incredible work to make Florida the envy of America. As your next Governor, I will build on his success and defend the Florida Dream,” he said.

Tonight I was honored to earn Governor @RonDeSantis’s endorsement.

Governor DeSantis has done incredible work to make Florida the envy of America.

As your next Governor, I will build on his success and defend the Florida Dream. pic.twitter.com/iRyQMD1V9i

— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) September 2, 2026

Donalds secured the Republican nomination for governor in August after receiving the endorsement of President Donald Trump.

He will now move on to the general election, where he is set to face Democratic nominee and former U.S. Rep. David Jolly.

Jolly previously served in the U.S. House as a Republican before later running for governor as a Democrat.

The 2026 Florida governor’s race will determine who succeeds DeSantis, who cannot seek another consecutive term under the Florida Constitution.

DeSantis is currently serving his second consecutive term as governor. Florida’s Constitution limits governors from being elected to another consecutive term after serving more than six years across two consecutive terms.

“No person who has, or but for resignation would have, served as governor or acting governor for more than six years in two consecutive terms shall be elected governor for the succeeding term,” the Florida Constitution states.

With DeSantis unable to seek another consecutive term, Republicans have turned their attention to maintaining control of the governor’s mansion.

Donalds’ Republican primary victory, followed by Trump’s endorsement and now DeSantis’ backing, gives the congressman support from two of the most prominent Republican figures in Florida and nationally.

The leadership forum also underscored the broader Republican effort to maintain continuity among statewide elected officials.

Uthmeier, Ingoglia and Simpson are all seeking to continue serving in statewide positions, while Donalds is campaigning to become Florida’s next governor.

The gathering in Tampa came as Republicans prepare for the general election campaign and Democrats seek to regain the governor’s office.

Donalds has been a prominent figure in Florida Republican politics and has represented the state in Congress. His campaign will now turn toward the general election contest with Jolly.

DeSantis’ endorsement adds another major development to the Republican campaign after the crowded GOP primary concluded in August.

The governor’s support also signals his preference for the direction of the state as Florida Republicans prepare for the next administration.

For Donalds, the endorsement gives him the backing of the sitting governor as he begins the next phase of his campaign.

The general election will ultimately determine whether Republicans retain the governor’s office after DeSantis leaves office following his second consecutive term.