22-02-2025
‘Good ring to it': Byron Donalds teases run for Florida governor
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Rep. Byron Donalds continues to fuel speculation he may announce a bid to be the next governor of Florida. On Friday, the Southwest Florida congressman spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
'As for me, stay tuned,' Donalds said.
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The remarks follow President Donald Trump's endorsement, despite the congressman not making an official announcement.
'I just want to say Mr. President, thank you and I will never let you down,' Donalds said.
After a panel with the non-partisan group Tampa Tiger Bay Club, Hillsborough GOP Chair Carmen Edmonds confirmed she's also hearing speculation involving First Lady Casey DeSantis, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, and former Congressman Matt Gaetz. Edmonds has advice on what any candidate should run on.
'If we can fix some of the property insurance issues, fix car insurance issues, and make some of the things that go into homeownership or car ownership a little bit cheaper, then that'll help people across the board,' Edmonds said.
The local party won't make an endorsement until after the gubernatorial GOP primary.
'It's not surprising with Donald Trump. I mean, he jumps out early and often getting behind the people who he really likes and pushes for them,' Edmonds said.
Hoyt Prindle with the county's Democratic Party said Florida House Minority Leader Rep. Fentrice Driskell from Hillsborough County and State Sen. Jason Pizzo from South Florida may also run. If they do, he too has ideas for their platform.
'We've got to deal with the insurance crisis in the state. We've had 25 plus years with giveaways to some of the insurance companies,' Prindle said.
However, Prindle was not expecting to be talking about the governor's race this soon.
'I'm a little surprised frankly that the president has chosen to endorse this early,' Prindle said.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is term limited. The gubernatorial election is not until November 2026.
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