Byron Donalds, born 1979, is a U.S. Representative for Florida's 19th Congressional District (elected 2020) and the Republican frontrunner in the 2026 gubernatorial primary, endorsed by President Donald Trump in February 2025. A financial adviser before his political career, Donalds has positioned himself as Trump's chosen successor in Florida, emphasizing immigration enforcement, law-and-order policies, and economic issues. He has raised over $67 million for his campaign as of April 2026, the most ever for a non-incumbent Florida gubernatorial candidate in a primary year.
Byron Donalds was born in 1979 and worked as a financial adviser before entering politics. He was appointed to the board of trustees of a state college by then-Gov. Rick Scott. He entered the Florida House in 2016, won election to the U.S. House in 2020, and has been re-elected. He is a staunch Trump ally who has built a reputation for conservative positions on immigration, education, and law enforcement.