Byron Donalds just delivered one crushing blow that caught Ron DeSantis by surprise

The race for Florida governor just took a dramatic turn.

One announcement has completely shifted the political landscape.

And Byron Donalds just delivered one crushing blow that caught Ron DeSantis by surprise.

Byron Donalds’ record-breaking fundraising haul leaves competitors in the dust

U.S. Representative Byron Donalds dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through Florida’s political establishment.

Since launching his gubernatorial campaign in February, Donalds has raised a staggering $22 million for his bid to become Florida’s next governor.¹

That massive war chest dwarfs every single one of his two dozen rivals in the Republican primary race.

The fundraising numbers tell the whole story about who’s really running this show.

Donalds pulled in $12 million immediately after announcing his candidacy on February 26, then added another $10 million in the second quarter alone.¹

Even more telling is who’s writing the checks.

Big-name donors who previously backed Ron DeSantis are now jumping ship to support Donalds.

Billionaires Thomas Peterffy, Dick Uihlein, and Nebraska Senator Pete Ricketts have all opened their wallets for the Trump-endorsed candidate.¹

The Winklevoss twins, Tyler and Cameron, famous for their legal battle with Mark Zuckerberg over Facebook, have also thrown their support behind Donalds.¹

DeSantis faces awkward reality as his legacy crumbles

The timing couldn’t be more brutal for Ron DeSantis.

On Tuesday, DeSantis will stand side-by-side with both President Donald Trump and Byron Donalds at a Florida press conference.¹

Talk about an uncomfortable photo opportunity.

DeSantis has been pushing for his wife, Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis, to run for governor in 2026.

But the writing is on the wall.

Political insiders and lobbyists are already saying Casey DeSantis’ potential candidacy is “beginning to fade.”²

That has to sting for a governor who thought he could handpick his successor.

The relationship between DeSantis and Donalds turned sour in 2023 when the congressman refused to endorse DeSantis’ failed presidential campaign.

Instead, Donalds backed Trump, who went on to win the presidency in a landslide.

DeSantis has publicly criticized Donalds for being a “no-show” on state culture war issues.¹

But Donalds has taken the high road, refusing to engage in petty attacks and instead praising the governor publicly.

That’s the mark of a true leader.

Trump’s endorsement changes everything

President Trump’s endorsement of Donalds came even before the congressman officially announced his campaign.

“RUN, BYRON, RUN!” Trump posted on social media in February.²

That endorsement is worth its weight in gold in Florida Republican politics.

With Trump’s backing, Donalds is polling with about a five-point lead over David Jolly, the most notable Democrat candidate in the race.²

But let’s be honest about the Democrat Party in Florida.

As Donalds himself said, “Yeah, they’re pretty much dead.”²

Republicans now outnumber Democrats by 1.3 million registered voters in the state.¹

The GOP controls every single statewide office.

Whoever wins the Republican primary will be the heavy favorite to become Florida’s next governor.

Donalds represents the future of conservative leadership

Byron Donalds brings a unique perspective to Florida politics.

The Brooklyn native moved to Florida over 20 years ago to study at Florida A&M University and Florida State University.²

He built his career in finance before entering politics, winning a state House seat in 2016 and moving to Congress in 2020.²

Donalds would make history as the first Black Republican governor in the modern history of the party.

But he’s not running on identity politics.

“Our party is growing. People are far more diverse, but not just diversity for diversity’s sake. We are still a party built on ideals,” Donalds told the Miami Herald.²

“Strong ideas of individual liberty, human freedom, economic growth, sound policy, safe streets and children being educated. Those are principles that whether you’re Black, whether you’re Cuban, whether you’re Puerto Rican or Dominican — you can agree with that.”²

Donalds understands what Florida voters want.

They’re concerned about insurance costs, transportation, and keeping Florida the free state it has become.²

He’s focused on improving education, with a goal of raising student proficiency in math and reading from 30% to 50%.²

“If you’re proficient in core subjects, now you’re even more ready to take on the challenges of the world. We’re preparing the future of Florida,” Donalds explained.²

The establishment’s nightmare scenario

The political establishment in Tallahassee is watching their carefully laid plans fall apart.

DeSantis thought he could control who succeeded him in the governor’s mansion.

Instead, Trump’s endorsement and Donalds’ massive fundraising advantage have completely upended those calculations.

The congressman’s refusal to kiss the ring and endorse DeSantis for president now looks like a brilliant strategic move.

Donalds bet on Trump and won big.

Meanwhile, DeSantis is left trying to salvage what remains of his political influence.

When asked about policy differences with DeSantis, Donalds was diplomatic.

“Look, when it comes to policy, the governor and I don’t really have disagreements,” he said.²

“I think it’s more about careers. The governor was an attorney. I’m a man of finance. So I think it’s just a different way of going about your business.”²

That’s the kind of mature leadership Florida needs.

The 2026 election is still more than a year away, but Byron Donalds has already positioned himself as the clear frontrunner.

With Trump’s endorsement, record-breaking fundraising, and a message that resonates with Florida voters, Donalds is on track to become the Sunshine State’s next governor.

Ron DeSantis can keep pushing his wife to run, but the train has already left the station.

¹ Marc Caputo, “Scoop: Donalds announces $22 million haul since running for Florida governor,” Axios, July 1, 2025.

² Siena Duncan, “Would Byron Donalds differ from DeSantis as governor? Here’s what he told us,” Miami Herald, June 30, 2025.

³ “Poll shows Byron Donalds starts with 6-point lead over David Jolly in 2026 Governor’s race,” Florida Politics, June 11, 2025.