On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced that he would be putting his full support behind Republican Congressman Byron Donalds to be the next governor of Florida, despite the fact he hasn’t stated any intention to run for the governorship, nor requested an endorsement from the president.
How good do you think Donalds feels to know the president has that much confidence in him and his abilities? It’s not altogether surprising to see Trump encouraging Donalds to run for governor, given how much of a staunch defender he’s been of the president’s America First agenda.
Donalds has proven himself to be a loyal friend and supporter of Trump’s, taking time out of his own reelection campaign to hit the streets and help spread the message among black voters, a critically important demographic that grew massively in its support for the then-Republican presidential candidate.
President Trump got on Truth Social where he spoke of Donalds’ qualifications and provided reasons he believes that he should be current Gov. Ron DeSantis’ successor.
“I am hearing that Highly Respected Congressman Byron Donalds is considering running for Governor of Florida, a State that I love, and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024,” Trump stated in his post. “I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER! Byron has a great wife, Erika, and three beautiful sons. They are very proud of him!”
When the immigration crisis had reached its zenith, Donalds made rounds on the talk show circuit where he backed the Trump campaign’s policy positions on the situation, especially the talking points about mass deportations and how dangerous illegals with lengthy criminal records were endangering American citizens.
“As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda. He will fight tirelessly to Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Vets, Restore our Economic Power, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump said, obviously excited by the idea of Donalds running for the office. “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. RUN, BYRON, RUN!”
According to a report from Trending Politics News, “Byron has confided to allies and loyal donors that he intends to run. During a meeting of the state Republican Party in Orlando last week, the South Florida congressman sponsored a suite at the venue where he began to share the news, according to those present. The signs have grown since then. Donalds’s schedule has been filled with meetings with key Florida lobbyists and donors this week as he looks to shore up support and protect his flank in what’s expected to be a crowded GOP field.”
“He was in town [Tallahassee] meeting with all the folks you need to meet with. He told them he is in,” a source who met with Donalds said in comments given to NBC News. “It’s the steps any candidate takes as they prepare to run for governor.”
“Florida’s crowded bench of Republican contenders may be feeling the heat to stay out of the race given Donalds’ outsize presence. Former congressman Matt Gaetz has inked a lucrative anchor deal with One America News. Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s chief financial officer, recently announced he will be running to replace Gaetz in Florida’s 1st congressional district. Pam Bondi, the state’s former attorney general, is now leading the nation’s law enforcement as U.S. attorney general,” the report added.
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